UNZALARU to hold on to results, students run amok

tttThe University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers Union (UNZALARU) has maintained that lecturers will not release students’ results despite government announcing the release of K50 million towards accrued staff benefits. Meanwhile, students this morning ran amok at around 07:20 hours burning tyres and logs along the Great East Road over the delayed release and publication of results. The University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers Union (UNZALARU) has maintained that lecturers at the institution will not release students’ results until government meet their demands. ttt

And the UNZALARU says the money released by government yesterday was far from meeting the union’s expectations.

In a telephone interview, UNZALARU secretary general Jason Mwanza charged that results would not be released unless all the controversies surrounding the lecturers are sorted out without fail.

Mr. Mwanza said the union will soon call for a meeting with education minister Michael Kaingu to quickly discuss and address the situation.

Mr. Mwanza added that the outcome of the meeting with the minister would determine whether the results will be released or not.

And University of Zambia Student Union (UNZASU) publicity secretary Lucy Chanda said the current standoff between government and UNZALARU was worrisome, urging government to quickly resolve the issue.

“The lecturers are not going to release the results because the money offered to them was very little, they want more,” Miss Chanda said. “As UNZASU, we are trying to represent the interest of students … We were supposed to have our exam results last month (17th August), but this is September and there is nothing happening.”

Students this morning took to the streets to air their grievances over the delayed release and publication of results by lecturers.

The students blocked the Great East Road at around 07:20 hours burning tyres and logs forcing motorists to find alternative routes.

Police in full riot gear managed to bring the situation under control hours later.

However, UNZASU has maintained that the failed demonstration that took place this morning was not sanctioned by the union.

Meanwhile, Education minister Michael Kaingu has advised UNZALARU to act reasonably as government had released part of the money to carter for the outstanding allowances.

Dr. Kaingu said government had insufficient funds to settle all the accrued staff benefits.

“Money will never be enough … not even Bill Gates has enough, if he had enough he would have quit doing business,” he claimed. “They must be magnanimous enough. It is important that people who have gone to school understand. We told them that this is what is available, what can we do?”

Dr. Kaingu challenged the lecturers to determine the opening date of the institution adding that government had done its part.

Yesterday, government through the Ministry of Education announced that the state will release K80 million to UNZA between September and December towards settling of accrued staff benefits.