News / National
UZ students demand exam postponement
8 hrs ago | Views
Student leaders at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) have formally requested a one-week postponement of upcoming examinations, citing academic disruptions caused by an ongoing strike by university lecturers.
In a letter addressed to the Dean of Students and copied to the deputy registrar, Leon Muzanago, a student representative, said the strike had severely affected students' preparation for exams, with many left without adequate instruction and essential learning materials.
"The disruption has significantly hindered our ability to prepare adequately for these assessments, as we have not received the necessary instructional materials and subject expert guidance from our lecturers during this period," Muzanago stated.
He acknowledged the challenges involved in altering academic schedules but emphasized that the postponement would uphold the university's academic integrity and institutional reputation.
The lecturers' strike-led by the Association of University Teachers (AUT)-has caused widespread disruption to academic activity, with no lectures or tutorials being held in several faculties. The AUT is demanding the restoration of their pre-October 2018 salary level of US$2 500 per month, compared to their current earnings of approximately US$230 plus a ZiG component equivalent to under US$200.
Students say the loss of teaching time has left them ill-prepared for exams and are urging university authorities to prioritize resolving the impasse with striking staff.
"This request does not seek to undermine prior strategic moves and timelines, but rather proffers a solution that benefits both students and the university as a whole," Muzanago added.
The standoff between the university administration and lecturers escalated following a High Court ruling that barred authorities and police from disrupting the AUT's peaceful protest. In defiance, the university has suspended some AUT members for allegedly holding unsanctioned meetings in student-designated facilities.
As the exam period draws near, pressure is mounting on the UZ administration to find common ground with lecturers and ensure minimal academic fallout for students caught in the crossfire.
In a letter addressed to the Dean of Students and copied to the deputy registrar, Leon Muzanago, a student representative, said the strike had severely affected students' preparation for exams, with many left without adequate instruction and essential learning materials.
"The disruption has significantly hindered our ability to prepare adequately for these assessments, as we have not received the necessary instructional materials and subject expert guidance from our lecturers during this period," Muzanago stated.
He acknowledged the challenges involved in altering academic schedules but emphasized that the postponement would uphold the university's academic integrity and institutional reputation.
The lecturers' strike-led by the Association of University Teachers (AUT)-has caused widespread disruption to academic activity, with no lectures or tutorials being held in several faculties. The AUT is demanding the restoration of their pre-October 2018 salary level of US$2 500 per month, compared to their current earnings of approximately US$230 plus a ZiG component equivalent to under US$200.
Students say the loss of teaching time has left them ill-prepared for exams and are urging university authorities to prioritize resolving the impasse with striking staff.
"This request does not seek to undermine prior strategic moves and timelines, but rather proffers a solution that benefits both students and the university as a whole," Muzanago added.
The standoff between the university administration and lecturers escalated following a High Court ruling that barred authorities and police from disrupting the AUT's peaceful protest. In defiance, the university has suspended some AUT members for allegedly holding unsanctioned meetings in student-designated facilities.
As the exam period draws near, pressure is mounting on the UZ administration to find common ground with lecturers and ensure minimal academic fallout for students caught in the crossfire.
Source - newsday
