Education expert Benedicto Kondowe has called on University of Malawi (UNIMA) management to seriously consider student’s grievances over failure by the school to resume online classes due to internet challenges and unavailability of gadgets to support the initiative.

The institution resorted to online learning as a measure to curb further spread of coronavirus.

However, the classes were suspended a month ago, a development which has angered the students arguing that it is costly since they are spending money on meals and rentals without attending classes.

On Monday, students went into running battles with the police as they demonstrated to push the administration to close the university.

One of the education rights activist, Benedicto Kondowe, said much as he is in full support of online learning during this period of pandemic, however, he has urged management to look into the plight of the students to ensure a smooth run of the initiative.

Kondowe said: “Following a surge in Covid-19 pandemic the only way out in terms of education is through online learning and much as we encourage this initiative the school management must also look into the plight of learners to make sure that they are able to access the internet services and the gadgets.”

He further said the management at UNIMA must think of increasing bandwidth to ensure that the internet access is up-to-date.

“There is need to increase bandwidth at the University because currently it is not up-to-date and is too slow to facilitate meaningful learning.”

During Monday’s protests students blocked some roads and gave their management 24 hours to solve the matter.