BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
PRESIDENT of the SINU student association has hit back at the institution’s pro-vice chancellor (corporate) Mr Donald Malasa, saying that the current strike notice to have him (Mr Malasa) removed is based on his failure to address students’ welfare.
SINU student association (SINUSA) president Mr Reginald Ngati says Malasa has failed to address students’ welfare in his three years in office, something which Malasa has denied.
Malasa, instead says that the real reason behind the strike notice was his decision to render Ngati and his executive’s election null and void on October 31, 2017.
SINUSA executive and Student Council however insist that Ngati in his term as president has pushed for the students’ welfare, something which they say past student leaders have failed to do.
Malasa is being accused of failing to address matters pertaining to students; this includes the students’ hostel, improvement to kitchen facility, and improvement of diet.
Ngati.
Ngati says that one of the main reasons behind the strike notice is the dilapidated state of the students’ hostel, which he says poses risks to the students residing in them.
He said the hostel is running without clean and safe water, and that the hostels lack some basic amenities.
He also highlights the current diet, saying it is not healthy and is a direct threat to students’ health and wellbeing.
Ngati adds that another issue is facility for day scholars; internet laboratory for students, student safety and security at night and violation of discipline.
“SINU is a newly established University but has over the last 4 years failed to make providence of a student welfare office in both campuses Kukum and Panatina where photocopy and printing and other related services could be easily accessible.”
The Acting Vice Chancellor will meet with the students at the Panatina campus regarding the issue.
Students welcome the idea of meeting Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Basil Marasinghe, saying they have lot of queries to ask.
