University of Livingstonia students demand Malawi government loans

By Collins Mtika, Nyasa Times

October 15, 2012 ????? 0 Comments

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Students at the CCAP owned university of Livingstonia have asked government to consider extending the loan scheme to private universities saying high tuition at private universities is a hindrance to prospective students.

The students also requested government to hasten their postings ?so that we do not become liabilities to our parents and guardians who had sacrificed much to see us through?

The University?s student representative Godfrey Munthali made the plea on Saturday at Ekwendeni CCAP Mission during the University?s sixth congregation.

University of Livingstonia graduands

?Is it a sin to study at a private university? It?s not by choice that we found ourselves there. Like other students we sat for the entrance examinations but we were left out because public universities cannot accommodate all of us,? Munthali said.

During the graduation, a total of 40 students graduated in different programmes. Eight students were awarded Licentiate in Theology, six with Diploma in Theology and 26 with degrees in education humanities and science.

Munthali said students at private universities were parting with a minimum of MK300,000 to MK600,000 per semester while those in public universities only pay MK55,000 and are given loans and monthly allowances.

?Whether one graduates from a public or private university is immaterial because at the end of the day we all contribute to the socio-economic development of the country,? he said.

But Malawi?s Vice President Khumbo Kachali, who was guest of honor, at the ceremony, did not touch on the loan scheme request.

Reading a prepared speech, Kachali said government is aware of and is committed to address the bottlenecks that impede and frustrate students who want to pursue higher learning.

?Nobody in this country rejoices over a scenario where every year thousands of students who are university material roam in our villages, towns and cities,? the vice president said.

He said the PP led government will ensure that in a few years Malawi should be able to accommodate all deserving students in the universities.

Tags: Khumbo Kachali, University of Livingstonia

Source: http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/10/15/university-of-livingstonia-students-demand-malawi-government-loans/

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