Students registration declines at Lupane State university

Lupane State University (LSU) has seen a decline of up 15% in students registration as the institution opened its doors for the second semester this week.

The decline has been caused by the university`s decision to relocate from Bulawayo to the university campus in Lupane.

LSU has been operating from Bulawayo since it commenced lectures in 2005 to allow for construction to take place at the campus.

The students' hostels and lecture rooms are now ready for use and the university will begin operating from the campus in Lupane next Monday.

However this decision has met resistance from students who have shunned the institution as they feel the provincial capital has a rural set-up, while accommodation will be a nightmare.

Furthermore, "agricultural sciences are not popular with students as most of them prefer commercials and social sciences, hence the need for more aggressive marketing strategies," said LSU Director of Public Relations, Mr Zwelithini Dlamini.

The university has also been facing challenges with lecturers who stayed away during the first few days of the block due to outstanding allowances.

The tertiary institution however says the impasse has been resolved and lectures will proceed as usual during the second block for the visiting students.