Malawi Institute of Journalism students stage demo against poor learning

Students at Malawi Institute of Journalism Thursday morning staged demonstrations against failure of lecturers to teach them a development they fear would lead to many of them fail finals examinations they are expected to write from May.

The students who carried branches of trees caused commotion at new school campus in Chitawira township chanting anti-management  slogans for depriving them of learning while they have recently almost tripped tuition fees.

They said since the opening of the school in January they rarely enter classes as most of the teachers have not been reporting to classes.

“In most cases we are told that there are no lessons and we spend more time outside classes. Lecturers have been complaining of lack of motivation from the management as there salaries are low and they also receive late. So we feel this should not affect us hence we are rioting,” said one of the protesting students

Another student added: “we are very much concerned because we are no near in completing the syllabus and assignments. Yet we will shortly go on holiday.”

After commotion at the campus the students left the campus for the MIJ radio at Ginnery Corner where some pelted stones at the gate to force their way inside the radio’s buildings.

However they were calmed down by the station’s manger Roslyn Mankhambera who assured them that she will put their grievances to relevant authorities.

However, Mankhambera said she cannot talk to Nyasa Times because “I am not allowed to speak on behalf of the institution”

Executive Director of MIJ Dalitso Nkunika said he had no knowledge of the incident as she was away from Blantyre.

Recently some parents and guardians of the students complained to MIJ management over lack of learning by the students.