Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Amon Murwira has defended current university fee increases saying they are now lower compared to 2017.
Most State universities have increased fees from around ZWL$50 000 for undergraduate degrees to between ZW$215 000 up to a high of ZWL$358 000 per semester.
Based on the official exchange rate currently standing at US$1:ZWL$628.19 the lowest fees at university now stands between a low of US$342.25 and a high of US$569.89.
Postgraduate students now have to pay an equivalent of between US$469 and US$912.14.
Speaking during an interview with NewZimbabwe.com on Thursday, Murwira said part of the fees is ancillary fees set by the universities. He said:
If you compare the current fee thresholds with what was being charged in 2017, you will note that the fees are now much cheaper.
Back then state university fees were around US$400 but right now we are at around US$200.
Remember, we only approved between ZW$184 000 and a high of ZW$220 000 with the remainder being ancillary fees set by the universities.
Murwira refused to link the fee structures with current salaries in the economy saying that his mandate is to oversee the efficient provision of higher and tertiary education. He added:
We are supporting our students in the best way we can. We have a work-for-fees program. We also have a student loan program which even has a very low uptake.
Every student is eligible to take up that loan right now. We have got more than ZW$200 million ready for take-ups. This is what the government is currently doing.
Meanwhile, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president, Takavafira Zhou, said the university fee hikes have relegated education to a privilege and not a right. He said:
At worst it must be, therefore, accessible and affordable. The government is to blame and so is the Minister.
In fact, Minister Murwira is always off-side if we are to recall his utterances urging graduating students to build schools.
That only reflect is an achievement way beyond the reach of ordinary citizens and only within reach of the government and development partners
Instead, he must lobby the government and key stakeholders to give students flexible loans, payment terms and grants so that education does not become a preserve of the rich.