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Herald Reporter
Government has reiterated its commitment to mobilising funds to support students under the cadetship scheme in universities and colleges, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday. Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister, Dr Olivia Muchena told The Herald that her ministry was working closely with the Ministry of Finance to explore ways of raising funds for students.
“We are seized with the matter and as the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, I am in conversation with the Minister of Finance, Cde Patrick Chinamasa to resolve the matter,” she said.
Government owes tertiary institutions over US$64 million in unpaid tuition fees through the cadetship scheme with the money dating back to 2010. This has compromised service delivery at most state-run universities and colleges. In 2012, about 10 000 students benefited from the cadetship scheme while more than 40 000 failed to access the funds.
Students on the scheme awaiting graduation were told by their institutions that they would not graduate unless they settled their arrears. Government introduced the programme to support disadvantaged students.
Online Reporter