Pwani University Closed
Pwani University has decided to suspend all learning activities indefinitely after six weeks of disruptions due to ongoing industrial action by its staff.
In a notice shared with students and stakeholders on Tuesday, November 4, the University Senate revealed that this decision was made during a special meeting held earlier that day, effectively putting a stop to academic activities for the First Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year.
An internal memo signed by the Acting Registrar for Academic and Student Affairs stated that the suspension is effective immediately, urging students to leave the university premises by no later than Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
“Following the disruption of teaching and learning for the past six (6) weeks of the First Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year occasioned by the ongoing University Staff Industrial Action, the Senate, in its Special Meeting held today, Tuesday, 4th November 2025, resolved to suspend all learning activities with immediate effect until further notice,” the memo stated.
The university management has urged students to make necessary arrangements to leave the campus within the stipulated timeline, emphasizing that further updates will be communicated through the University Website, Students’ Portal, and other official communication channels.
In a recent announcement about the closure, the University Senate, along with the Management and the Vice Chancellor, took a moment to thank students for their patience, understanding, and cooperation during this challenging time.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your ongoing understanding,” the memo wrapped up.
Pwani University’s decision comes in the wake of a series of similar closures impacting public universities nationwide, as ongoing industrial action by both academic and non-academic staff continues to disrupt operations in the higher education sector.
The ongoing industrial action has had a major impact on the academic calendar, leaving institutions in a tough spot as they try to protect the integrity of the academic year while also addressing the valid concerns of their staff.
Recently, other universities have also paused their learning activities. For instance, Karatina University has closed its doors indefinitely, with the exception of its School of Health Sciences.
Meanwhile, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has temporarily suspended academic activities, but is still allowing certain groups of students to continue, such as medical students on clinical rotations and those enrolled in specialized programs.
“Following disruption of teaching and learning for the last six weeks of the first semester of 2025/2026 academic year occasioned by university staff industrial action, the Senate, in a special meeting held today, Monday, November 3, 2025, recommended the immediate suspension of all learning activities till further notice except for the School of Health Sciences,” the Karatina memo read.
Pwani University Closed
