adminJoseph Madzimure Senior Reporter
Government has directed universities and polytechnics to release degree and diploma certificates for almost 43 000 students who were funded through the State cadetship programme.
The directive comes as modalities for the clearing of the $37 million Government owes the institutions in fees from 2009 are being worked out.
Already, Government has released $7,2 million owed to tertiary institutions.
The University of Zimbabwe was owed $9,9 million and has been paid $2,5 million while Midlands State University is owed $7 million and has been paid $1,8 million.
Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) is owed $1,7 million and has received $450 000 as part payment.
The National University of Science and Technology was owed $170 000, Chinhoyi University of Technology $179 000, Great Zimbabwe University $189 000 and Lupane State University $147 000.
The four universities had the arrears cleared.
The Harare Institute of Technology was owed $807 000 and has been paid $207 000.
Polytechnics were owed $4,9 million and have been paid $966 000.
The cadetship programme was initially established in 2009 to assist less-privileged students.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira told The Herald that 42 755 students were covered under the cadetship programme.
He said there was no reason why colleges were not giving students their certificates.
“The Government is responsible for paying the debts, so why frustrating the learners? We should have a human mind. If the universities have some queries, they must face the Government,” said Prof Murwira.
“We were able to advance $7,2 million to extinguish the cadetship debt that we have with universities. This year we are aiming to extinguish the rest.”
Prof Murwira said this was the first time since 2009 that something was being released towards the repayment of cadetship debts.
He said Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube was committed to ensuring that tertiary institutions operate normally.
“This is how we support our universities, we support them by making sure they are not running in deficit so that our students learn optimally.”
Online Reporter