Skyway University suspends 10 students for protesting over poor hygiene

Skyway University students in the commercial city of Malawi, Blantyre has suspended about 10 students believed to leaders of a protest over bad diet, poor hygiene and sanitation.

The students interrupted classes on Wednesday in anger with their management for failure to settle water board bills forcing the school to operate without water for a period of two weeks.

They claim that the toilets and urinals in the hall broke down forcing them to move to other “places” to answer nature’s call and the girls are the most affected with the situation.

“The situation is so pathetic because for two weeks now we are operating without water. This is risky to our health because it is easy to catch contaminated diseases,” said the student.

Some of the girls scrambling for a likage pipe water after it was disconnected…Photo Jeromy Kadewere

Girls hostels toilet dry …Photo Jeromy Kadewere

Taps dry at Skyway….

Boarders at Skyway pay K150,000 per semester.

Nyasa Times investigations also revealed that Blantyre Water Board disconnected water at the premises for failing to settle a bill worthy more than K100,000.

“Students have a valid reason to complain because they are really suffering. Just imagine two weeks without water and even their diet leaves a lot to be desired,” said one lecturer, who refused to be named.

They say that they also fed on poor quality meals. The students also said their hostels are also infested with bed bugs.

But the university has suspended the protesting students, according to a letter signed by Vice Principle Malango Chinthenga , seen by Nyasa Times.

The letter reads: “Following the unlawful and unethical involvements that have drastically hindering academic sessions at the campus, we write to dismiss you as a boarder with immediate effect.

“Having received this communication therefore you are urgently required to leave the boarding premises as soon as possible since failing to comply will attract further action.”

The students say they will take legal action.