University of Malawi closes over student vigils

By James Banda

The management at the University of Malawi (UNIMA) has closed the institution following a three-day vigil students have been holding.

In a statement dated November 2, 2022, the university’s Acting Registrar, Mary Wasiri, has ordered all the students residing at the campus to vacate the site by midday Wednesday November 2,2022.

” Following the stalemate between the management and SRC, and knowing that the vigils posed a security threat to both the university community and the general public, the management has resolved to temporarily closed the University with immediate effect, ” reads the statement in part.



It adds ” Students may vacate the campus by 12 noon. For those residing on campus, ensure that you hand in your room to the security office. “

On November 1,2022, Students Representative Council ( SRC) Vice President Catherine Mwangonde called on chancellor for the university, President Lazarus Chakwera, to intervene in the academic calendar battle.

There have been disagreements between students and their administration over a recently released academic calendar which, among other things, would see some students going for a five-month annual holiday and finishing studies in approximately seven years.