Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Ngara, Chronicle Reporter
THE National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has demanded that students top up fees for the last semester by $250 by January 31.
In a notice posted on the university website on December 16 Nust said:
“Management has resolved that all registered students pay a Levies top-up of ZWL250 for the Year Ending 31 December, 2019. This is necessary to discharge obligations flowing from services rendered, but not paid for, during the current year. Students are required to begin paying off this amount immediately, and at the latest by 31 January, 2020. This is against the background that fees have remained at their US$ levels in RTGS/ZIM dollars despite the prevailing situation in the market for goods and services.”
A student who preferred anonymity said he went to Nust to pay fees for 2020 semester but was told he owed the university $250.
“I wanted to pay my level 3:2 fees and they said if I pay the fees before paying the $250, they will deduct from my 3:2 fees. This means I paid $430 attachment fees and add $250 which amounts to $680,” he said.
Nust communication and marketing officer Mrs Lindiwe Nyoni professed ignorance over the developments.
“Students closed recently and we never communicated that we want top up fee of $250. I have no clue of what you are talking about because we never communicated anything on fees increments,” she said. Recently, the Government dismissed social media messages that universities had raised fees by more than 500 percent.
The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation Science and Technology Development, Professor Amon Murwira, dismissed the reports which he said were meant to cause despondency.
He said the Government had not approved any fees hike.
“It is shocking, I saw the messages on Twitter and I was so disappointed with social media. These messages are causing despondency in the country. Who can afford to pay $45 000 for fees in this country, I mean what will be your salary?” said Prof Murwira. – @missngara
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