CBU students launch “OpenCBU” campaign

By Staff Reporter 

Student of the Copperbelt University (CBU) have launched an online protest, a “OpenCBU” campaign which is fast trending on social media. 

Students have since embarked on a campaign of typing #OpenCBU on any post and/or wall on social media. 

The decision to close the University was passed by the Education Minister following the recent fracas between the Vice Chancellor, Naison Ngoma and the Academic Union. 

Copperbelt University Student Union (COBUSU) President, Humphrey Mwenya has called on all CBU students in Kitwe and nearby Copperbelt province to meet at the District Commissioners Office. 

“As Students, at 09hours on Tuesday 4th August all students in Kitwe and those nearby Copperbelt must meet at District Commissioner's office to send a small message and stage a hunger strike of which if government does not announce the opening date of our institution, we shall however announce it ourselves on 7th August, 2015,” he said adding that atleast 60 students are expected to come otherwise the meeting won't take place. 

And Copperbelt singer Fumba Chama alias Pilato has described what is happening at CBU as an embarrassment and the government has an opportunity to do the right thing. 

“This is not about politics but about the future of all of us. To every student at any university in Zambia, keeping quiet on the CBU closure does not mean you are safe, what's happening at CBU may happen at your beloved institution tomorrow so take responsibility and speak out for for your colleagues now and in your time you will have courage to speak for yourself,” he said. 

Meanwhile, going forward, the UPND on the Copperbelt have demanded the immediate reopening of the Copperbelt University, failure to do so will compel the Copperbelt leadership to mobilise youths to carry out peaceful protests against the current government. 

UPND has further on called on the immediate resignation of the Minister of Education Dr. Michael Kaingu, alleging that Dr Kaingu has no capacity to deal with the challenges affecting the country's education sector.