One week after opening the institution, authorities at Malawi’s Bunda College of Agriculture have barred 22 students from attending classes, accusing them of being ring leaders during protests that led to the closure of the college two months ago.

The 22 are believed to have signed a petition seeking for the resignation of their principle which led to a strike and an indefinite closure of the collage in turn.

Embattled Principle Professor Moses Kwapata, whom the students wanted to stand down, has since justified the decision to stop the 22 from attending classes, saying they should appear before a disciplinary hearing first.

“It’s not anything new, as per the collage’s requirement all students involved are supposed to attend the disciplinary hearing,” said Kwapata.

He however could not determine their fate.

“The disciplinary committee will determine how to deal with the students,” he said.

Meanwhile, the collage is expected to earn over K 1.2 million through the K715 every student is expected to pay for damages on property during the protests.

The College which is, a constituent college of the new Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) indefinitely closed end July to pave way for the resolution of the impasse between the students and the college’s leadership.