Parents demand immediate reopening of Poly

The persistent closure of Malawi Polytechnic, a constituent college of University of Malawi (Unima) has angered parents of students and they have demanded for an immediate opening of the college.

The parents have described this lengthened closure of the university as a violation of the students’ right to education.

Speaking in Lilongwe, representative for the parents Mabvuto Katete said they want the college opened arguing that it has taken too long.

“We want our children to go to school even if they can say tomorrow we will be happy, we don’t want our children to grow old before graduating,” said Katete.

The Polytechnic was expected to open for a new academic year in October but the Unima council deferred the opening date after students obtained an injunction stopping the college from implementing a fees hike in the academic year.

The students argued that the college should effect the hike in the next academic year which was scheduled to begin in 2017.

The issue is currently in court but the college is yet to be opened as university management are waiting for the conclusion of the case.