By Maneno Chimulala
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Polytechnic, a constituent college of the University of Malawi, has been blamed for defying presidential order to have all public schools closed to avoid the spread of Corona virus pandemic.
Reports indicate that the college continued to run with the aim of finishing their examination but parents of the students have argued that life is more precious than an academic paper.
One of the parents who spoke to Maravi Post on condition of anonymity said he is worried with university’s decision to continue its operations.
“It is very worrisome to see that our children are still at the campus despite the president’s order to have all schools closed. We would expect the university to lead by example in the fight against this deadly disease but their action has indicated that they are not serious. It is so pathetic.
“We have banned gatherings that exceed 100 people but we allow a college with thousands of students to continue its operations. We lack seriousness here in Malawi,” he said.
Some staff at the college also expressed concern over the development which they say is a gamble on their life.
However, University of Malawi council chairperson Reverend Billy Gama, in an interview with Zodiak radio monitored by Maravi Post said it was important for the students to finish the examination before closing the university.
Gama said the university sought a waiver from the government to complete the examination.
“You remember that the Malawi Polytechnic had a premature closure and that has affected their academic calendar. Therefore, the Malawi Polytechnic management through the council of the University of Malawi, requested the government to be considered for just a week and they were allowed to continue operations up to 27thMarch,” said Gama, who is also presidential adviser on religious affairs.
Meanwhile, the university has announced that it will be closing today with final examination to be administered from 1 o’clock in the afternoon.
President Peter Mutharika on Friday last week declared a state of disaster over the coronavirus pandemic and ordered the closure of schools and a suspension of public gatherings.
