Lecturers at Chancellor College, a constituent college of the University of Malawi on Monday morning resolved to suspend teaching until safety of its members is assured.
Chancellor College Academic Staff Union (CCASU) confirmed to have suspended teaching after two incidence of violence against lecturers at the college as students protest a tuition fee hike from K25,000 to K55,000.
CCASU President Mr. Sunduzwayo Madise said a meeting to further resolve the matter with Management and leadership of Students Union of Chancellor College over this issue is being organized.
Students at the college are angered by the college’s decision to hike fees should apply to first year students only and not continuing students.
Meanwhile, the Chancellor College Academic Staff Union has announced suspension of teaching after a spate of violent attacks on three lecturers.
“We have no problem with students showing their displeasure by demonstrating. But we’re surprised with a wave of violence that is being directed at some of us.
“So until we’re sure that our safety is guaranteed, we’ll suspend classes,” Mr. Madise told Zodiak Online.
According to reports reaching Zodiak Online, Dr. Elizabeth Kamchedzera, Specialist in Special Needs Education was stoned whilst teaching in the Great Hall on Friday.
The same evening one student also allegedly threw a stone in the dark as Professor Wiseman Chijere Chirwa of the History department walked to his car.
An identified lecturer’s vehicle was also splashed with beer and the drunken students demanded some money to let him pass a barricade they had placed on the road leading to the campus.
The violence occurred as the leadership of the students union and college management were locked in a meeting to iron out differences on the fee hike issue.
In an earlier interview with the media, Students Union president at chancellor college, Mr. Patrick Phiri said students will demonstrate after giving negotiations a chance.
He said the mini-demonstration which resulted in the violence was not sanctioned by the student’s body, but is an act of a few students.
Meanwhile, students have warned they will take to the streets if the matter is not resolved by Wednesday this wee
