Sex-for-grades scam blankets UB
SERWALO MAZWIDUMA | Friday January 25, 2008 00:00
'Those who refuse to oblige fail the examinations,' cried scores of female students. SRC president, Mishingo Jeremiah shares the concern raised by the students, adding that all available efforts should be made to stem the problem.
He said that it is lamentable to see some lecturers failing some students for reasons best known to them or merely for demanding sexual favours.
The burning issue was raised during an SRC meeting at UB last week. Among other issues raised was the supplementary examinations which the students want shifted to the winter vacation. They believe this has worked well at the Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA).
In an interview, Jeremiah said that retaking courses has brought about lots of hurdles at the institution, adding that this state of affairs fuelled overcrowding in classrooms, which reduces the efficiency of lecturers in delivering programmes.
He contended that this development has continued to undermine the credibility of qualifications obtained from learning institutions.
Tshephang Molema, 22, a second year student in humanities, said: 'I retook twice because a lecturer, which I will not mention, wanted to sleep with me but I refused. After shifting the classes, I managed to pass with flying colours'.
Another fifth year student, who wished not to be named, said: 'I ended up sleeping with my lecturer just because I wanted to graduate. I felt I have supplemented enough despite the fact that the lecturer was doing something out of this world'.
Students are also concerned about the bookstore at the institution, saying it limits their choice especially that as a government-sponsored business. Students have no freedom to buy books from other outlets where discounts are available.
Basetsana Monyatsi, a third year law student simply said: 'We should be given hard cash and be allowed to decide for ourselves which material are relevant at any given time. We should be given the opportunity to decide what and where to buy what.'
Students also find that locally published books are priced beyond their means. Another issue raised relates to the banning of active politics at the institution. Some students believe this undermines their human rights.