The Malawi Polytechnic is expected to reopen on October 5 2015, almost two months after it was indefinitely closed following students’ protests over delays in allowances.
In a memo to staff members on Thursday, college registrar Margaret Longwe, said the University Council has approved the reopening date.
“I write to inform you that Council has approved College’s recommendation to reopen the college for its 2014/2015 academic year. The College shall reopen on Monday, 5th October 2015,” Longwe said.
The registrar also urged members of staff to prepare so that teaching begins on the reopening date. Longwe said a revised academic calendar will be circulated later.
In an interview on Friday, Secretary General of the Polytechnic Students Union (PSU), Rodgers Nyirongo, said students are delighted to return to school.
He called for improved communication between the college’s management and students to avoid protests.
Said Nyirongo: “To get to protests, it means there are problems and these are not just about students, but the management as well. We all need to be proactive to avoid protests.
“There is also need for proper and timely communication between management and students on all matters.”
The Polytechnic was closed on August 12 after students protested over the delays in allowances. It took the intervention of the police to calm them.
