Zambia: Students criticize MSU for charging tuition in US dollars – Africa Links 24

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-03-03 04:03:48

The MBA students at Midlands State University in Zimbabwe have taken a bold stand against the institution’s demand for tuition fees to be paid exclusively in United States dollars. The dispute centers around the $1,888 USD per semester fee that students are required to pay by March 8 in order to register for their courses. The students have sought legal representation from Wintertons Legal Practitioners to challenge this demand.

In a letter dated March 1, 2024, addressed to MSU’s Vice Chancellor Professor Victor Muzvidziwa, the legal firm issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the university to provide an option for fee payment in the local currency. Failure to comply would result in legal proceedings in the High Court. The core argument put forth by the students is that requiring payment in US dollars violates existing laws in Zimbabwe. They assert their willingness to pay the fees in the local currency instead.

This legal battle is not an isolated incident. In August of the previous year, the Zimbabwean Government allowed universities and colleges to set tuition fees in US dollars. However, the MBA students argue that this policy does not mean institutions can demand payment exclusively in US currency. The students draw inspiration from a previous legal victory won by Harare Polytechnic students, which compelled the institution to accept payment in the local currency at the prevailing interbank rate.

The impending deadline puts pressure on MSU to respond to the students’ challenge. The outcome of this situation could potentially impact fee policies at universities across Zimbabwe. Will this legal confrontation lead to a reevaluation of how tuition fees are structured in higher education institutions in the country? Only time will reveal the answer, but the significance of this dispute for the affordability and accessibility of higher education in Zimbabwe is clear.

As the students await a response from the university, their determination to uphold their legal rights and advocate for equitable fee payment options demonstrates their commitment to ensuring fair access to education. This stand taken by the MBA students reflects a broader movement towards challenging entrenched practices within the educational sector that may hinder students’ ability to pursue their academic aspirations.

In conclusion, the actions of the MBA students at MSU highlight the importance of advocating for accessible and affordable education. Their legal challenge serves as a testament to their commitment to upholding their rights and pushing for policies that prioritize the interests of students. The outcome of this dispute could catalyze changes in fee structures across universities in Zimbabwe, ultimately shaping the landscape of higher education in the country.

Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye