Political Commentator Demands Apology from Nkandu Luo…

CommentatorDillon Mayangwasaid the move caused hardship for many students and forced some to drop out of university because they could not afford basic living expenses. In 2019, while serving as Higher Education Minister under the Patriotic Front (PF) government, Professor Luo oversaw the abolition of meal allowances for university students, a decision that drew strong opposition from students who depended on the support for daily needs. The reintroduction of the allowances has been welcomed by many students, with some expressing support for the current government as the country prepares for theAugust 13 general elections.

Appearing on Crown TV earlier this week, Professor Luo defended her earlier decision, stating that the allowances were previously benefiting only two universities and that the move was made in the interest of fairness. She also said she would not be held accountable by God for abolishing the allowances because the decision was made for the good of all students. But Mayangwa argued that the former minister should apologise to students for what he described as a harmful decision that negatively affected the country’s education system.

He said some students dropped out of university because they could not afford food, while others struggled to survive during that period. Mayangwa also questioned what alternative solutions the former minister’s camp would offer to students who are now benefiting from the reinstated allowances.