By White Luhanga
Government says 10,640 new bed spaces will be added at the University of Zambia (UNZA) to address accommodation challenges and create a conducive learning environment for students.
Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Educational Services, Dr. Kelvin Mambwe, said the bed spaces include the completion of hostels with a capacity of 4,160 at both the Great East Road and Ridgeway Campuses.
He added that government has also entered into a Public-Private Partnership arrangement that will deliver an additional 6,480 bed spaces within the next 24 months.
Speaking during UNZA’s 55th Graduation Ceremony, Dr. Mambwe reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through infrastructure development, curriculum reforms, and increased investment in higher learning institutions.
Meanwhile, UNZA Vice-Chancellor Professor Mundia Muya said the institution remains committed to producing competent graduates equipped with skills that respond to the demands of the modern economy and technological advancement. He praised President Hakainde Hichilema for supporting infrastructure and sanitation rehabilitation projects aimed at improving student welfare.
This year’s graduation saw 150 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) holders, 1,585 Master’s Degree recipients, and 4,136 undergraduate students, among others, graduate under the theme “60 Years of Transforming Lives through Teaching, Research, Innovation, and Responsiveness to a Competence-Driven Future.”
In a vote of thanks, graduate representative Viliza Silwamba urged fellow graduates to use their skills and knowledge for the betterment of society and national development.
(c) ZNBC