CBU union explains bursary quagmire

The 500 were not successful when they applied for bursary and appealed to the Higher Education Ministry for a second consideration.

THE more than 500 Copperbelt University (CBU) students who have been ordered to go home after failing to secure government bursaries were merely asked to appeal after they were left out.

Copperbelt University Student Union (COBUSU) acting President Christopher Mutale explained that the 500 were not successful when they applied for bursary and appealed to High education Ministry for a second consideration.

Mr Mutale said Director of Higher Education Ireen Chirwa asked them to appeal so that some of them could be reconsidered.

He was speaking in an interview with the Daily Na

in Kitwe yesterday. The students’ leader said about 1,500 students were successful and placed on government bursaries while others were advised to appeal.

“After they were left out, they were asked to appeal so that they may be considered. During the time of appeal, that is when they were allowed to attend classes.

On Sunday, more than 500 CBU students who had applied for government bursaries, said they were shocked that they were told to leave campus last Friday. But Mr Mutale said the students’ appeal did not succeed, hence the decision to ask them to leave because they could only remain in campus after paying tuition fees.

The affected students have since vowed not to leave CBU.