To Whom It May Concern,
As is known, the University of Malawi, located in Zomba, the old capital city of Malawi, is closed since Monday. According to available sources, the students of Malawi University are protesting over the decision of the university administration to have only one semester per year which doubles the length of time needed for an undergraduate degree. Students demonstrated and rioted on the campus and blocked roads by burning tires and placing stones and tree branches on the street in protests to the controversial decision. The university administration closed the university indefinitely in a statement citing security reasons. The authority of the university, according to available sources, made the controversial decision with an aim to accommodate two first-year groups, one from last year and another from this year.
It is pertinent to note that the decision to close universities in response to student protests is not uncommon in the world altogether. But the decision of Malawi University to delay the academic year is a concern for its students. No doubt, the decision, which is probably because the university has, according to available sources, not enough teaching space and staff to accommodate students for two years at the same time, will keep students at home for five to six months between semesters and take six to seven years to complete a four-year degree. Expectedly, students discussed with the university authority to cancel the decision. Despite several meetings between the student representative council and university authority, there was no agreement on the disputed decision leading to student protests.
Even if the stated incapacity of the University of Malawi, one of the best universities in Malawi, cannot be disregarded all in all, the extension of educational year is not desired at all. No doubt, such a decision will not only delay the completion of their university education but also incur an extra cost for students, delay their entering into jobs and impact their lives. It is, moreover, pertinent to note that the pandemic has in the mean time delayed the education of students at the stated university for more than one year. It is, therefore, desired that the demand of protesting students is heeded by the concerned authorities. If needed, the university administration needs to hold talks with student leaders to reach more acceptable decisions.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
