Students push for reopening of Polytechnic

University of Malawi students are accusing the University Management of “mediocrity of the highest order” by circulating unproductive propaganda in the media, “instead of just announcing a tentative opening date for the Polytechnic.”

Representatives of  University of Malawi Students Union (UMSU) Council say in a statement issued Tuesday that it is very disheartening to note that despite the extended holidays, university and college management fail to come up with sustainable solutions to the problems that forces students to demonstrate.

“UMSU 2015-2016 council is pleading with the University Council to tell the public the real reason behind the indefinite closure of the Polytechnic,” reads the statement in part.

They however say as the pinnacle of students’ leadership in the premier university (University of Malawi), UMSU Council, does not condone violent demonstrations which its fellowship did at the Poly.

“However, any protest or demonstration must be within the law and, must not block streets, right of way, or sidewalks; jeopardize the safety of individuals or the integrity of the college or other property; intimidate, harass, or threaten any member of the public”.

Recently, the leaders of Polytechnic Students Union apologized to the general public for the demonstration that led to the closure of their institution saying it was headed by the disgruntled students.

However, registrar of the University of Malawi Wokomaatani Malunga told a local media that the institution will only  be reopened once the university management has finalized looking into all issues that led to the demonstrations.

But the UMSU says in statement that “closing of college(s) should not be the first resort to reform the behaviour of the students”