By Burnett Munthali
The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has directed Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES) to re-admit 77 students who were withdrawn from the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program due to alleged bullying by staff.
This decision follows an inquiry conducted by the NCHE between May 27, 2024, and May 30, 2024, at the KUHES Blantyre campus. The inquiry was prompted by complaints filed by the affected students, who were withdrawn from the program between 2017 and 2022.
In a statement issued by the NCHE, the council revealed that the students had raised concerns regarding staff behavior, including allegations of bullying and unprofessional conduct. After reviewing the evidence, the NCHE concluded that the withdrawals were unjustified and that the students’ rights had been infringed upon.
“The NCHE has taken the decision to direct KUHES to re-admit the 77 students who were withdrawn from the MBBS program. The council strongly condemns any form of mistreatment and unprofessional conduct by staff and calls on the university to take corrective measures to prevent future incidents,” the statement read.
The council’s inquiry involved interviews with the students, staff, and university administrators, as well as a thorough examination of the records. The NCHE’s findings indicated that while some students faced academic challenges, their withdrawal was disproportionately influenced by the alleged bullying incidents rather than academic performance alone.
KUHES has been instructed to ensure that the affected students are re-integrated into the program without delay and that their academic progress is supported. The university is also required to implement measures to improve the conduct and professionalism of its staff, with a specific focus on addressing student concerns and fostering a safe learning environment.
The directive has been welcomed by the affected students and their families, who had previously expressed frustration over what they viewed as an unfair and traumatic experience. One of the students, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed relief and gratitude, stating, “We’ve been waiting for this moment for years. The bullying we experienced was painful, but we are hopeful that with this decision, we will now get the opportunity to finish our studies in a better environment.”
KUHES has yet to officially comment on the NCHE’s decision, but it is expected to make an announcement soon regarding the re-admission process. The NCHE has emphasized that it will closely monitor the university’s actions to ensure compliance with its directives.
This move by the NCHE underscores the importance of safeguarding the welfare of students in higher education institutions and ensuring that all learners are treated with respect and dignity. The council has urged all universities and colleges to take proactive steps to address issues of bullying and unprofessional conduct within their institutions.
