Chanco protest against fee hike
Students from Chancellor College, a constituent college of the University of Malawi (Unima) in Zomba, early today went on the streets demonstrating against fee hike by the University council.
Unima council recently announced that mature entry students will be paying tuition fees ranging from K900 000 ($1249) to K1.4 million ($1 942), first year generic students will pay fees in the range of K400 000 ($555) to K600 000 ($833) while continuing students will pay K400 000 per annum.
In an interview with Nation Online, University of Malawi Students Union (Umsu) president Tionge Sikwese said they intend to force the university council to reverse the fee hike.
Information reaching Nation Online indicates that students tussled with the police who fired teargas to disperse them.
The College authorities have since issued a statement condemning the behaviour of the students.
In the statement signed by Chancellor College principal, Richard Tambulasi, authorities expressed disappointment with the conduct of the students by deliberately choosing to ignore the procedure of informing management on their intentions.
Tambulasi said management is following the development closely ensuring that college property and welfare of both staff and students is protected.
He said however in the event that the property has been destroyed, “the college shall have no option but to hold all students responsible for the act.”
The principal has since advised students who need assistance regarding security to contact university authorities.
General Assembly by Johnny Richie Kasalika on Scribd
