By KASONDE KASONDE –
THE Zambia National Students Union (ZANASU) has expressed sadness over the failure by the University of Zambia and Copperbelt University students to embrace dialogue as wanted by Government, before the institutions were closed indefinitely.
ZANASU vice president Prince Ndoyi said the students’ unions feels saddened over the conduct that students exhibited in the weeks leading to the closures.
Mr Ndoyi said students had a moral responsibility of engaging in dialogue through legitimately
established structures and bodies to air out their grievances.
He said the conduct of the students, not to listen to Higher Education Minister Michael Kaingu, was a sign of weakness as it could not resolve the challenges facing the two institutions.
“As a union we are strongly convinced on grounds of objectivity and acting in good faith that students should discuss issues and persuade Government to reopen the schools, then provide us with an
opportunity to go back to the drawing table and see where we erred”, Mr Ndoyi said.
Mr Ndoyi said he regretted in the strongest possible terms the closure of the two institutions due to what he termed as selfish and barbarous actions of some students.
“As ZANASU we unreservedly wish to render our earnest and sincere apology to Government through the Minister of Higher Education Dr Kaingu and the Republican President Edgar Lungu for the riotous behaviour of the students,” Mr Ndiyo said.
He said the closure had gravely affected final-year students, who were hoping to complete their studies on time as well as self-sponsored students who could have had not engaged themselves in the riots.
Mr Ndiyo said the students were remorseful of their actions and willing to get back to school and concentrate on their studies.