The University of Zimbabwe is reviewing the recently announced hike in tuition fees of up to $500 000, described by many students as unaffordable and beyond the reach of their parents and guardians.
Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo told The Herald Monday that the higher learning institution was seized with that matter and urged students to remain calm.
The students yesterday demonstrated denouncing the fee hike.
In an interview with The Herald, Professor Mapfumo said the university registrar had two closed-door meetings with the Student Representative Council (SRC) and they were looking forward to having another round of discussions today. He said:
We are engaging key stakeholders including the Student’s Representative Council. It is the feedback that we value. The registrar had two meetings today and we are expecting to have a round-up meeting tomorrow.
SRC president Allan Chipoyi yesterday urged students who had gathered to protest to give dialogue a chance.
Yesterday, hundreds of University of Zimbabwe students briefly held a procession over the fees hike. They appealed to the Vice Chancellor to reconsider the move which they said was not in sync with the prevailing economic conditions.
According to the new fee structure, undergraduate students are required to pay anything between $300 000 to $500 000 depending on their faculty.
Students pursuing a Master’s degree will have to fork out up to $700 000 (US$900 per official exchange rate) also depending on their faculty and students are expected to pay the fees by September 30.