Malawi President meets ‘varsity council, education ministry officials over fees impasse

President Peter Mutharika has met University of Malawi council and Education ministry officials to discuss the fees hike impasse that has led to the indefinite closure of Chancellor College and a wave of protests in other colleges.

Presidential press officer Mgeme Kalilani said Mutharika et all stakeholders in the issue in a bid to end the stand off.

This comes after calls by students and others for the President to speak out on the matter.

University of Malawi pro-vice-chancellor Alfred Mtenje said education elsewhere is very expensive therefore parents and wards should be prepared to pay more for quality education.

He said the recent fee hikes were reasonable and said there was no need to slash them.

Mtenje however said the council would be meeting stakeholders in the matter soon.

He rejected students assertion that many students have been withdrawn from colleges due to non payment of fees.

The pro-vice-chancellor  said no student will be withdrawn from campus due to failure to pay tuition fees.

Mzuzu University students union president Wazamazama Katatu said the stand off can only end if Mutharika speaks on the issue as Chancellor of the University and president of the state.

“The silence is fuelling the stalemate. His timely intervention as Chancellor and academic achiever is the only key to end the saga,” said Katatu.

Students from the universiy have set aside August 4 for countrywide protests against the fee hike.

Close to 30 students from Chancellor College, Polytechnic and Kamuzu College of Nursing have been arrested due to violent protests against the fee hike.