Back to Index

University of Zimbabwe bars students from examinations
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) (Mugwadi)
April 14, 2010

The University of Zimbabwe has issued a decree barring students from sitting for their end of semester examinations commencing on the 16th of April. The notice stipulates that students who could not pay their 2010, first semester tuition fees and those that have not yet settled their 2009 tuition arrears are illegible for the end of semester examinations because 'they are not registered students.' The notice dated 06 April 2010 was issued through the office of the University's information department and signed by Magosvongwe also stipulates that the notorious campus security officers will be manning the entrance into examination halls and checking receipts of payment, where the majority of students will be prohibited because they have not paid.

Zimbabwe National Students Union condemns in the strongest of terms, the attempts by the University to endanger the future of about 73% of the students who have not paid up because of the restrictive nature of the tuition fees demanded. At a time when the Union has been lobbying all the stakeholders in the education system, inclusive of Parliament to review downwards the tuition fees, the actions of the University Of Zimbabwe authorities are regrettable. The notice has equally caused unnecessary panic on the students at a time where they should be focusing on preparing for examinations while the majority have been going on without accessing the library facility and other research tools because of the incessant closure of the halls of accommodation.

The University authorities have refused to heed to the calling of the majority of the students to lower the tuition fees because they are not in tandem with what their parents and guardians earn as wages and salaries.

ZINASU therefore calls upon the University authorities and the responsible Minister, Mdenge to withdraw the notice forthwith and shun their typical colonial discriminatory policies that have destroyed the whole fabric of the higher and tertiary education sector. ZINASU categorically wishes to communicate its anger over such policies at a time when the nation is celebrating the lowering of the Union Jack on the 18th of April.

ZINASU will not give in to any form of intimidation and therefore will mobilise the students at the country's largest and oldest University to take action and resist by any means necessary, the attempt to endanger their future.

Visit the ZINASU fact sheet

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP