Mzuni subvention still at K1.5bn

Government has not increased Mzuzu University (Mzuni) subvention despite the university’s calls to have it almost doubled, a decision  likely to affect  Mzuni’s operations.

Mzuni, which has been dogged by financial problems for years, changed its opening calendar from May 15 to May 28, and changed it again to July 2, with the hope that government will rescue it from its financial mess.

The university, which was allocated K1.5 billion in the 2011/12 fiscal budget, asked government to increase the allocation to K2.5 billion to stabilise financial problems at the institution.

Mzuni acting registrar Yonamu Ngwira confirmed the development on Thursday. He said university authorities called Treasury to find out how much was allocated to Mzuni from the  K13.8 billion meant for tertiary education.

Ngwira said the university would go through tough times in the new financial year if government does not increase the subvention.

“In real sense, when we say K1.5 billion that value is for last year when costs of managing the university were low. With the devaluation and high cost of living, that amount should be valued around K850 million and already the K1.5 billion is not enough for us,” said Ngwira.

He said the university will consider other means of generating income, which include fees for self-sponsored students. Ngwira said management initiated the review process and the matter was directed to council for the final say.