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NUST reverses fee hike after students’ protest

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 universityโ€™s main campus on Monday morning.

The institutionโ€™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.

โ€œThe issue has been resolved and students are back in class. The situation on campus is back to normal,โ€ said Mpofu.

In a statement, SRC President Muziwenkosi Sigidi Moyo confirmed the development.

โ€œWe are happy to inform you that the recently hiked fees of US$720 have been revoked and removed from your portals.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,โ€ said Moyo.

โ€œTo 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 semesterโ€™s updated ZWL fees structure.

โ€œThis 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.โ€

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.

Senzeni Ncube

Senzeni Ncube is an accomplished journalist based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, with seven years of experience in hard news, investigative writing, fact-checking, and a keen focus on social development, mining, elections, and climate change. She has extensive expertise in reporting community service delivery issues, demonstrating a deep understanding of politics, human rights, gender equality, corruption, and healthcare. Additionally, she possesses proficiency in video production and editing and is dedicated to providing high-quality journalism that highlights crucial social matters and amplifies the voices of the community. Senzeni is known for her thought-provoking interviewing skills.

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