By Jones Gadama
Lecturers at Mzuzu University have announced plans to hold a demonstration on Monday, April 7, 2025, to pressure the government to pay out their gratuities. The move comes as tensions between the lecturers and the government continue to rise over the non-payment of their benefits.
According to sources, the lecturers have been waiting for their gratuities for several months, but the government has yet to release the funds. The situation has led to growing frustration among the lecturers, who feel that their rights are being ignored.
“We have been patient for too long, but it seems like the government is not taking our concerns seriously,” said one of the lecturers, who wished to remain anonymous. “We are left with no choice but to take to the streets to demand what is rightfully ours, ” he declared
The demonstration is expected to take place on the university campus, with lecturers and their supporters gathering to express their grievances. It is unclear how the government will respond to the demonstration, but there are concerns that it could lead to further tensions between the two sides.
Meanwhile, there are rumors that the government may transfer the lecturers to Ngala Community College in Karonga, as they have done with primary school teachers. However, this has not been confirmed, and it is unclear how the lecturers would react to such a move.
Mzuzu University has a long history of academic excellence, and its lecturers are highly respected in their fields. However, the university has faced several challenges in recent years, including funding shortages and infrastructure problems.
The demonstration by the lecturers is just the latest in a series of protests and strikes that have hit Malawi’s education sector in recent months. The situation has raised concerns about the impact on students and the quality of education in the country.
As the demonstration approaches, all eyes will be on the government to see how it responds to the lecturers’ demands. Will they finally pay out the gratuities, or will they take a harder line? Only time will tell.
Background
Mzuzu University is one of Malawi’s leading institutions of higher learning, with a strong reputation for academic excellence. However, the university has faced several challenges in recent years, including funding shortages and infrastructure problems.
The demonstration by the lecturers is just the latest in a series of protests and strikes that have hit Malawi’s education sector in recent months. The situation has raised concerns about the impact on students and the quality of education in the country.
Reaction
The demonstration has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some expressing support for the lecturers and others criticizing them for taking industrial action.
“I support the lecturers’ demands,” said one member of the public. “They have been patient for too long, and it’s time the government takes their concerns seriously.”
However, others have criticized the lecturers for taking industrial action, arguing that it will disrupt the academic calendar and impact on students.
“I understand the lecturers’ concerns, but taking industrial action is not the solution,” said another member of the public. “It will only cause more problems and disrupt the academic calendar.”
