The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has been forced to reverse a recent fee hike after students staged a protest on Monday.
The institution had increased fees to US$720 per semester last week a decision that angered the students who temporarily shut down the university’s main campus on Monday morning.
The institution’s management has since reverted to the September 2022 fee structure of US$320 per semester.
NUST Director of Communication and Marketing, Thabani Mpofu confirmed that they met with the Students Representative Council (SRC) and agreed to reverse the fee hike.
“The issue has been resolved and students are back in class. The situation on campus is back to normal,” said Mpofu.
In a statement, SRC President Muziwenkosi Sigidi Moyo confirmed the development.
“We are happy to inform you that the recently hiked fees of US$720 have been revoked and removed from your portals. Students will now continue to pay the present ZWL fees structure adopted in September 2022,” said Moyo.
“To preserve the value of the finances, the same fees will be pegged at the prevailing interbank rate, and the USD fees structure will be taken down and replaced with last semester’s updated ZWL fees structure.
“This is a significant achievement for us as a student Union and demonstrates the power of unity. Together, we can stop the privatization of education and ensure our voices are heard.”
When a CITE news crew arrived at the main campus the students had barricaded the walk-in entrance with stones and tree branches.
Braving the drizzling weather, the protesters were instructing students reporting for lectures to return home as classes had been suspended.
The anti-riot police deployed to the scene removed the barricades and allowed people to access the main campus.
