NUST students riot over fees hike

NUST students riot over fees hike

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By Staff Reporter

POLICE in Zimbabwe's city of Bulawayo arrested at least 21 students after they went on the rampage to protest at massive hikes in tuition fees.

The students, from the National University of Science and Technology, smashed windows, glass doors and lights at the university's administration block in Wednesday's riots.

The students were protesting ten-fold hikes in tuition fees, up from ZIM$3-million (about R181) to between ZIM$30-million and $ZIM90-million per semester.

Lectures ground to a halt at the university as some students attacked those who refused to join in the demonstration.

The protests spread to Bulawayo Polytechnic College where students reportedly boycotted lectures.

A lawyer in Bulawayo confirmed to DPA in a telephone interview early Thursday that more than 20 students were being held at a central police station in the city.

Discontent is simmering over the new fee hikes, which many poorer students say they will find impossible to afford. Similar hikes have just been implemented - reportedly with government approval - at the University of Zimbabwe.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu told the Chronicle newspaper that students "should not turn to violence".

We are taking into account the students problems and something will be done soon. We will give an appropriate response in due course, Ndlovu said.

"We will assist the students whom we understand do not have a sound economic background to enable them to pay fees," he said. - Sapa-dpa
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