ABC students hold demo against tuition hike
What started as a big and memorable day for graduating students of African Bible College (ABC) in Lilongwe on Saturday could have been spoiled following demonstrations by students staged on campus in protest of a 100%tuition hike.
The disgruntled students marched around campus chanting songs before presenting a petition to founder of the institution Jack Chinchen.
The students had earlier threatened to boycott their colleagues’ graduation and cause disruptions around campus if management was not going to address their concerns
Management announced the 100% tuition hike on Friday which now puts the fees to 375,000 kwacha from 195,000 kwacha per semester in response to the recent devaluation of the Kwacha.
Those who are not on boarding will now have to pay 290,000 kwacha up from 135,000 kwacha per semester.
Management of the college and representatives of the students were locked in a meeting for over one hour where they pleaded with the students not to proceed with the protests
According to the students director of the school Paul Chinchen is the one who gave a nod to the increment but is currently in United states of America on holiday
“We have agreed that management will look into our concerns and therefore the demonstrations have been put on hold till next semester which starts in August,” said one student
” Not all of us can afford to pay that amount hence the demos and if they will go ahead and implement the new tuition then we will also proceed with our protests next semester,” warned another
Management of the school refused to speak to the media.
