Tom Mboya University has withdrawn the controversial teaching practice fees following protests by students who termed the charges as irregular and amounting to double payment.
The decision comes after students took to the streets, accusing the University of introducing additional fees despite them having already paid tuition and other academic costs under the new funding model.
It is reported that the students issued a two-day ultimatum demanding that the charges be scrapped, warning of intensified protests if their concerns were not addressed.
In response, the university management convened a consultative meeting on April 19 involving the Students Organization of Tom Mboya University (SOTMU), student representatives and members of the administration. The meeting was chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Charles Ochola.
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According to a memo from the office of the vice chancellor outlining the resolutions of the meeting, no attachment or teaching practice fees will be charged to any student under the new funding model. The move was widely seen as a victory for the students who had insisted that the fee was unjustified.
However, the memo clarified that students proceeding for attachment or teaching practice will still be required to purchase official logbooks at rates to be communicated by the university.
This aspect has continued to generate debate among students, with some questioning the pricing of the logbooks.
“Why should students be asked to pay over Ksh1, 000 for a simple booklet after the teaching practice fee has been withdrawn?” some students posed, arguing that the cost appears excessive.
The university further resolved that placements for students undertaking teaching practice or attachment within Homa Bay County will remain in effect, subject to review depending on prevailing circumstances.
With the matter addressed, management has directed students to resume normal academic activities, including the ongoing examinations.
The developments reflect growing demands by university students for transparency and fairness in fee structures under the new higher education funding framework.
By Odoyo Miranda
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