University of Zambia (UNZA) Vice Chancellor, Professor Stephen Simukanga says it will only affiliate colleges to the higher institution of learning upon being satisfied of provision of quality education.
Professor Simukanga says the demand by private colleges to affiliate themselves to
the higher institution has posed a critical issue of assurance and monitoring for
the provision of quality education in the country.
Officiating at the 13th George Benson Christian College in Kalomo yesterday,
Professor Simukanga said UNZA would only affliate such colleges if it is confident
that such shall assure high academic and professional standards.
Professor Simukanga said the university would be very cautious in affiliating such
institutions in order to attend to challenges, demands and expectations of affiliate
colleges.
Speaking earlier at the same function, College Principal , Fist Chona appealed to
UNZA to constantly hold joint collaborative meetings with the institution’s
administration to enable it become more responsive and be aware of UNZA’s
expectations.
George Benson is the only private college affiliated to UNZA and is offering
teacher education training and 42 graduands graduaated this year.
This is a long standing issue that has been on the table for “centuries!†Most schools that are abroad give diplomas that are equivalent to University tailored education. Even U.K. that we pattern after our education system, upgraded their polytechnic schools to universities several years ago but our rigid system has continued to disadvantage otherwise well-qualified and competent Zambian students that we have harmed by our system for years.
ctd.It is time that UNZA and government came up speedily with a system that would ensure students are not stuck with papers obtained from colleges and cannot upgrade them because of the rigid system in place. These students once they leave Zambia are able to shine in foreign schools yet our universities let them down. This is a shame.