Final-year and fully paid-up students at Chinhoyi University of Technology have been moved from their campus hostels to Chinhoyi High School as the institution prepares accommodation facilities for delegates expected at Zanu PF’s 23rd National Conference in October.

The relocation, which the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) CUT chapter says was done on short notice and without consultation, has sparked anger among learners, some of whom are said to be working on dissertations.

ZINASU CUT chairman Hillary Masango accused university management of treating students as second-class citizens and putting administrative convenience ahead of student welfare. He said the sudden move threatens both the safety and academic progress of those affected.

Masango said students would not accept being shifted around at the administration’s convenience, and that education is a right rather than a privilege.

CUT Director of Public Relations and Communications Shadreck Nembaware was not available for comment at the time of publishing.

The renovations are reportedly meant to upgrade the hostels before the ruling party’s annual gathering.