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Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Semester for the disadvantaged tertiary students

By caven masuku
The Chronicle paper indicates that, the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) have opened for its second semester and registration is in progress. There has been confusion over the opening dates with parents, students and guardians assuming that the institution would open in August.
The Chronicle paper says that NUST's Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr Felix Fandyroy Moyo, said that the first semester ended on 8 May for a 10-day break.

Mr Moyo is quoted in The Chronicle explaining that the 10-day holiday was unusual because the university normally closes for months.“The second semester started on 18 May and as I speak, lectures started on Monday, 1 June. We took a short break so that we could cover the lost time during the first semester, which we started in February instead of early January. Therefore, the idea to open the second semester early was to have a normal second semester,” said Mr Moyo.

“Registration is in full swing and we urge students to come for the second semester. I have received a lot of inquiries about when the university opens, let me clearly state that lectures are on.”He added that students who had problems paying their fees should at least fork out US$200 as deposit fees.

In Gweru Midlands State University (MSU) has revealed that a new semester will be starting on 15 June 2009, to cater for the disadvantaged students who could have continued their studies last year.

Most students who are expected to return for their fourth year expressed their happiness. John Ncube one of the returning students at MSU said that he is happy to resume his studies after a year and some months seated at home. “My brother I am happy that the university has concern for us. Well some will claim that they is no logic but the major business is for us students to get back and pick from where we left last year”, he said

Although many students may drop out of tertiary education due to high fees, it shows that the universities like NUST and MSU are concerned about their students. This is a good move albeit the fact that parent may find it difficult for them.

The whole of last year was wasted time especially on the academic side and such a pay back platform will enable students to recover their lost time. The two state universities, one from Matabeleland and the other from Midlands Province have been hailed for their effort to retain the good learning environment, said Simon Nxele. As a parent I feel happy and hope my children will be able to finish their studies without delays he added

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