The 2008 academic year at Unitech is not commencing on a high note. A number of senior lecturers have left and some will leave soon.
The Departments of Mining Engineering and Electrical Engineering have one or two lecturers now.
All departments have senior national academic staff resigning and students do not know who will teach us.
The most important question is, will there be enough lecturers and will we have the 2008 academic year at Unitech?
The authorities have neglected to address the issue. The Government has given the task to the University Council.
The University Council, headed by the then chancellor Philip Stagg, has failed to address the matter and passed the task to the university administration.
The university administration has never considered the grievances of those affected and have only given directives. Those that have failed to comply have been given harsh penalties.
The consequences include the fact that many students have been given failing grades and have lost scholarships.
Others were terminated for fighting for their rights in a professional and peaceful manner.
The quality of food we eat in the mess would be suited to a dog – three loaves of plain bread and cold water for breakfast and lunch.
The Student Representative Council was terminated last year for allowing students to exercise their democratic rights.
Before things get out of hand, we want all concerned stakeholders and authorities to look for better ways to address the issues as soon as possible.
The students appreciate the move by the Minister for Higher Education Research Science and Technology. Michael Ogio, to suspend the then University Council headed by Philip Stagg and the appointment of the new interim council.
The second step would be to investigate the current administration and address allegations of corrupt practices and maladministration.
We want the new interim council to take office soon so they can address our problems as soon as possible. We also want our qualified national lecturers who have been terminated to be reinstated.
 

Somalians
Unitech students.