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Dons say students` claims genuine
2007-05-01 10:18:25
By Guardian Reporter
Members of the University of Dar es Salaam academic community have said the loan-related concern raised by students now suspended were genuine and required serious attention and have called on the government to address the issue ``in a timely manner and through an open and free dialogue``.
The stand is contained in a press statement issued in Dar es Salaam yesterday by the university`s Academic Staff Assembly (UDASA).
The university`s management on April 17 suspended indefinitely all main campus undergraduate students after they had boycotted classes for two days, protesting the government`s insistence that they bear 40 per cent of the costs of their stay at the university.
The suspension letter also covered all undergraduate students at the university`s constituent colleges, including the Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Arguing that most of them come from poor families and therefore cannot raise the amount required, the students want the government to revisit its policy on loans in respect of institutions of higher learning and possibly cover the 40 per cent using its own coffers.
``While UDASA recognises the willingness on the part of the government to consider students` demands, we call upon it to seriously look into the matter and commit itself to providing a lasting solution,``the statement, a copy of which was availed to The Guardian, reads.
It calls on the government to initiate a public debate on how education in general, and higher education in particular, should be funded.
The statement notes further that the assembly, as an organ of academic members of staff, would like to see the university functioning normally.
UDASA has also expressed its concern over the manner in which the students were ordered to vacate the premises ``within a short time in the evening, when they were totally unprepared`` and appealed to the university management to revisit its position on the conditions the suspended students are required to fulfil before being allowed back.
Prior to students` suspension, the university’s administration had considered the students` demands, says the statement, adding: ``It is prudent that the University Administration revert to its earlier offer because the situation has not been altered by the suspension of students and perhaps for many students the situation has worsened.``
In the assembly`s view, the conditions for reinstatement ``are punishment to students, most of whom had not wanted to take part in the boycott of classes but were rather forced out of classes by their fellow students``.
Consequently, UDASA has deplored attempts by some students to suppress their colleagues who have dissenting views on how to achieve the goals they intend to achieve.
The assembly has also urged the university`s management to ensure that the reopening of the university does not cause inconveniences to students, staff and learning programmes.
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