University Students Plead With Government Not To Close Universities Due To COVID-19

19/03/2020Last Updated: 19/03/2020

113 1 minute read

Varsity students welcome move to shut down schools. President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday said schools will remain open since they are only two weeks away from the end of the first term. Tertiary education students have pleaded with the government not to close universities in the wake of COVID-19 which has since been declared a national disaster.

“Government has decided to keep them open, with standard screening precautions being taken daily. Dates of the reopening of all schools will be announced, taking into account realities on the ground,” said President Mnangagwa.

Tertiary colleges students hailed the government for not closing colleges. “I’m in my final semester and if they are to close college it means that I won’t be able to graduate this year.

“I am just worried about the tuition that we paid,” said a student who was on his way to college. Another student concurred saying they will rather continue going to college and maintain personal hygiene than to stay at home.

“Since the virus is not yet in Zimbabwe, it's better we continue going to college then we will stop when the situation gets serious.” However, some believe they would rather close and carry on from where they would have left.

“We want a break, the president said we should avoid mass gatherings and at college, it’s easy for the virus to be spread so it’s better we stay at home.”