Rusangu University tightens regulations
‘Sin all you want as long as you can afford to pay’ becomes reality at a Christian institution of higher learning, Rusangu University in southern province. The administration of the Seventh Day Adventist-owned university has shocked its students, two weeks into opening, by rolling out a scroll of the 20 commandments and fines to be paid by offenders.
Some of the offences outlined are; stepping on the wall and on the toilet pan and disposing of anything, all these offense will attract a charge of K450 to K500. A move which is seen disadvantaging the poor and vulnerable scholars while favoring and encouraging bad behavior to learners who are financially buoyant.
Many Students and the alumni have, therefore condemned the move and have questioned the moral aptitude of the Christian institution of higher learning which is run by clerics.
Students who only agreed to speak on conditions of anonymity said: “Rusangu administration has no heart for the struggling students; all they care about is our money. It’s so unfortunate that a Christian university has decided to abandon, its Christian standards and values, and opt to charge learners who breach their laws.”
Another saddened Learner said: “some of us already have challenges paying our fees in full, but what will happen if we are spotted throwing a paper of sweet or biscuits? They will charge us from our school fees, which will make us owe the school; a lot of money, eventually dropout.”
According to information availed to us, the institution runs a supermarket where students buy goods, like sweets, biscuits, gums and many more, but the question that seeks an answer is; should learners be charged money for disposing off a small plastic of sweet? Should a degree student abandon lectures to go and throw a small piece of paper in the bin which is outside?
“If our parents used to charge us money, for every rule we broke, were we going to be better people today?” asks one of the displeased alumni. “Anyone who sets eyes on the parchment of 20 offenses will only wonder how deducting money from a student’s account will develop someone’s character and affect their behavior.”
“90 percent of The university’s staff are clergymen, but am surprised how a cleric can surely agree to set such rules for other people’s children to follow”, said a student (name withheld).
Some former students of the university said: “the people who should be in the fore front to teach and exercise love, are the people that want to exploit poor students, by setting rules that accumulate wealth, to enrich themselves.
“The so called administration even gave a prayer at the beginning of the meeting! Is this move portraying godly standards?”
On the other hand students have alleged that management is only concerned about making money and not solving the problems students face on campus.
“We have been complaining about sanitation issues in toilets and water challenges, but none of those issues were addressed. But when it comes to setting rules it’s easy for them,” said a student (name withheld).
The students alleged that management avoids dialogue with scholars; instead they use a well-known weapon, which is threatening students with suspension or chasing them.
“Right now people are scared even to talk to you, because they know that some will be chased. I’m equally afraid, I might be chased soon or later,” said a third year student.
An investigation conducted by our journalist on the ground has confirmed the deplorable state of toilets and water challenges students are battling with on campus.
“Sometimes water comes out brown and they expect students to drink that water, toilets stink as hell at the main building,” lamented students.
One may wonder what kind of leaders Rusangu University is training if they cannot discuss pressing issues with students and resolving them without threats. After listening to student’s cries and seeing the price list, one is left with no option but to agree with the late president Micheal Sata’s words saying: “The most educated people are the worst cowards, they fear going to jail.”