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State of the education sector: Week ending April 03, 2009
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
April 03, 2009

ZINASU National Executive Council (NEC) Members on National Tour

The NEC members embarked on a national tour for a fact finding mission to assess the state of the education sector in institutions of higher learning. Generally, many colleges have opened for the 2009 academic year but the turn out in many colleges is reportedly very low citing unaffordability of tuition fees and accommodation. A student requires at least USD 850 to commence classes at the University of Zimbabwe.

At Midlands State University, the turnout of students is high, lectures are commencing as normal with lecturers attending all lectures. The turnout can be attributed to the fact that college authorities allowed students to attend lectures after paying part of the stipulated fees. Some of the students who failed to pay registration fees were forced to defer to next semester a move that disadvantages the poor. Students are faced with an accommodation crisis, they are required to pay USD150 excluding meals. Many students are left with no option but to find alternative accommodation in the high density of Senga which is overcrowded, posing a health hazard to students.

Gweru Polytechnic, no proper learning is taking place at the college as a result of poor student turnout. Many students have failed to pay the fees charged hence now prefer to defer their studies to next semester so that they have enough time to fundraise the outrageous fees. Students who were supposed to proceed to part two of their academic year have failed to do so since their results are yet to be released. Accommodation remains a problem at the institution; those who want accommodation are being required to bring 50kg maize meal, 2litres cooking oil, 5kg beans, half bar green soap and 500grams salt.

Mkoba Teachers College, very low student turnout, the general maintenance of the college is very poor. The staff is not showing up for duty, the college environment is not being attended to, tall grass is seen everywhere posing a breeding ground for malaria. Many students who were on teaching practise were forced to repeat as lecturers failed to assess their performance as no meaningful learning took place the whole of last year.

Great Zimbabwe University, lectures are taking place at the institution, with an average student turnout. Many students are finding it difficult to secure accommodation at the college as it is very expensive. At least 70% of lecturers are showing up for lectures. The cadetship programme is still vague to students who have opted for it, the College Authorities claim there are still no funds for the programme from the Government leading many students with no option but to drop out of college.

Masvingo Polytechnic College, there is high turnout of students at the college (75%). The college authorities authorized students to attend lectures and pay fees in instalments. Lecturer attendance is at 80%. Accommodation remains a challenge to many students who cannot afford the sky rocketing charges.

National University of Science and Technology (NUST), there is a below average turnout of students for the semester (40%). Students are being allowed to attend lectures without paying the full amount of fees. The end of semester examinations are scheduled for 20 April 2009.The College authorities announced that there is need to extend the semester to accommodate for students who came late into the semester.

Bindura University of Science Technology (BUSE), about 10% of students especially part one and two failed to turn up for lectures. The acting Vice Chancellor, Mr Katsvanga met up with student representatives and resolved that students can attend lectures and write examinations after paying any part of the stipulated fees charged.

University of Zimbabwe Remains closed- The University was scheduled to open on the 30th of March 2009 but postponed for the second time this year. This resulted from the fact that more than 90% of the students have failed to pay the exorbitant fees charged by the institution. In an article in the Independent newspaper of the 3rd of March 2009, the University claimed that there was no water and financial resources to open the University.

The college visits are still continuing in Mutare and Harare

Student Representative Council Election Update

Midlands State University (MSU) Held Student representative Council (SRC) Elections

Elections were held on the 27th of March 2009. The environment was reportedly been peaceful during the elections. The new SRC President is now Happison Masenga. The Union would like to congratulate the new leaders and hope that they would serve the interest of students well.

Great Zimbabwe University: College Authorities Postpone Elections

Authorities at the college postponed the elections indefinitely citing insufficient funds to sponsor the elections. They also cited that the elections will trigger violence at the institution

Bindura University of Science Education: Postponed

The College authorities postponed the elections alluding to the fact that there are operating on a very tight schedule hence no time for the staff to prepare for the logistics need for the elections. The elections were further deferred to next semester.

NUST elections Scheduled for Next week

Students vying for the SRC elections are busy campaigning for posts in elections scheduled for the 7th of April 2009 next week. Those who have not yet paid their fees are not legible for contesting.

Visit the ZINASU fact sheet

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