Reopen UNZA, CBU, demand UPND youths
By Staff Reporter
United Party for Nation Development (UPND) has said the party has received several representations and complaints from citizens regarding the continued closure of the University of Zambia and Copperbelt University respectively.
Party deputy national youth chairperson Subeta Mutelo said reasons advanced by the government for continued closure could not be justified.
Mutelo said his party knew that the PF leadership had just diverted money meant for lecturers, support staff and students’ meal allowances.
“As usual, money has been siphoned off into their pockets to help pay for these premature nationwide campaigns they have suddenly embarked upon ahead of what they consider is a must-win election. In addition, funds are also being corruptly re-routed towards overpriced procurements which has been widely reported in the press. To add insult to injury, the [Auditor General] AG’s report 2017 has confirmed that Ministry of Higher Education paid over 540 ghost students their tuition fees and meal allowances to a tune of over K8, 520, 000,” Mutelo said.
He said poor sanitation could not be the reason behind the delayed reopening of these key institutions.
“These once decorous institutions are supposed to set the standard in cleanliness and hygiene. Yet, today they are termed as filthy and unfit for human habitation. We should bow our heads in shame and embarrassment that such a fate has befallen the once prestigious seat of learning. Even primary and secondary schools around the country, including those in the vicinity of these universities have already opened. Let’s not play tricks with education, please reopen these institutions immediately.”
