Stella Maris Polytechnic Students Vow More Protest Against Fees’ Hike

New Democrat (Monrovia)

18 May 2011

In spite of their impending final examinations due next week, students at Stella Maris Polytechnic were on Tuesday relentless in their week-long protest that has already forced the indefinite closure of classes.

Hundreds of aggrieved students gathered Tuesday at the main entrance of Stella Maris Polytechnic, holding placards with slogans protesting the sudden increase in school fees in addition to the purpose of a proposed ‘Exit Test’ for graduating seniors, now imposed by the institution.

The students deemed the increment as unfair, saying: “laboratories at the institution are ill-equipped, while sanitary condition on the campus is poor.”

Some of the placards read: “We need good toilets! No more dictatorship in Stella Maris! Stella Maris is anti-PRS (Poverty Reduction Strategy)!”

Meanwhile, the school’s administration and faculty were meeting on campus Tuesday discussing the stalemate.

Stella Maris Administrator, Sister Mary Laurene Browne told journalists that results of the ‘Exit Test’ will not be a prerequisite for graduation, clarifying: “… but we just want to know the strength of our students (graduates).”

She confirmed that an increment of U$2 (from U$5 to U$7) for one credit hour has been proposed, but said it was pending approval by the board of directors.

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