The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) has announced plans to stage a demonstration against the rising costs of tertiary education in the country, with a particular focus on the exorbitant fees being charged by institutions such as Midlands State University (MSU).
The students are calling on the government and educational authorities to prioritize student welfare and state-funded education, emphasizing the urgent need for a fair and reasonable approach to fee structures.
The current fees at many tertiary institutions, including MSU, have reached levels that are unsustainable for the majority of students and their families.
In response, ZINASU is advocating for dialogue and debate as the first steps toward resolving the crisis, urging the state to engage with student representatives to find a mutually agreeable solution.
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ZINASU leaders believe that open communication is essential to addressing the concerns of students who are struggling to keep up with the financial demands of their education.
“We ought to dialogue and debate before we demonstrate,” a ZINASU spokesperson stated, highlighting the union’s commitment to finding a peaceful and constructive resolution to the issue.
However, the spokesperson also made it clear that if the government fails to respond to their calls for dialogue, the students will have no choice but to take to the streets in protest.
The crux of ZINASU’s argument is that education should be a fundamental right accessible to all, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford the high costs.
They are calling on the state to prioritize student issues by funding education adequately, or at the very least, implementing the most reasonable measures to ensure student welfare.
This includes reviewing the current fee structures and exploring options for state subsidies or other forms of financial assistance that can ease the burden on students.
As ZINASU prepares for potential demonstrations, the union is calling on the government to show a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. They argue that student welfare should be at the forefront of the state’s agenda, and that education policies should be reflective of the needs and aspirations of the student body.
“The Fees being charged in tertiary institutions specifically Midlands State University are too exorbitant. We ought to dialogue debate before we demonstrate. The state should priorities student issues of state funded education instead and or atleast the most grossly reasonable… pic.twitter.com/RvLj3FOjhN
— Change Radio (@ChangeRadioZW) September 9, 2024
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