By Chisomo Phiri
The Mzuzu University (MZUNI) disciplinary committee has on Tuesday suspended five of its students over the recent tuition fee-hike riots that the students staged.
Of the five suspended students is the institution’s Students Representative Council President, Lucius Banda, who has been suspended for 2 academic years.
In a memo signed by MZUNI Registrar, Yonam Ngwira, the decision follows a disciplinary hearing held on October 11 to 13, 2023.
“Further to disciplinary hearings which were conducted by Students Disciplinary Committee from October 11 to 13, 2023, I would like to announce the following outcomes: (1) Mr Lucius Banda with outcomes such as; suspension from the University for 2 academic years, withdrawal from halls of residence for the rest of their program,” reads the memo in part.
The other four are; Iveen Changata, Jamestone Kasambala, Miss Rennence Billiati and Johanns Kaipa, all suspended for one year.
Speaking with the local media Banda, said the news is shocking to him.
“I am just the mouthpiece of my fellow students at the institution. I tried my best to defend my colleagues during disciplinary hearings but the management has decided to suspend me altogether.”
He however, said he will seek legal action on the institution’s decision.
Last month, MZUNI students went on rampage blocking roads, destroying property and disrupting traffic in their push for government to revise downwards their tuition fees which they described as exorbitant amid the prevailing economic hardships.
This led to the indefinite closure of the college on September 16, 2023..
