Still No Re-opening Date for Universities And Colleges - Mushimba

Higher Education Minister Brian Mushimba has revealed that the government has still not set a date for the re-opening of universities and colleges after they were closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Speaking in an interview with ZNBC, Mr Mushimba said his ministry was currently engaged in talks with stakeholders and that priority would be given to those students in their final year and graduating. 

The minister stipulated that colleges and universities had not in fact stopped teaching, as online classes are still going ahead. 

He affirmed that the re-opening of higher learning institutions requires thorough consultation, to ensure these schools do not become breeding grounds for the coronavirus. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of General Education has announced that efforts are being made to ensure all primary and secondary schools are ready to teach before re-opening for examination classes on 1st June. 

General Education Permanent Secretary Jobbics Kalumba said schools had been instructed to provide washing equipment, digital thermometers and face masks for pupils, to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Mr Kalumba said he had also asked teachers involved in guidance and counselling to provide support to pupils who might be traumatised by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The headteacher of Mtendere Secondary School, Petronella Kaputa, has explained that classes will be split into two sessions, with classrooms disinfected in-between lessons. 

Higher Education Minister Brian Mushimba