The government has also suspended bursaries for three male students who were inciting riots at the institution last Friday.
Minister of Higher Education Nkandu Luo dismissed allegations of corruption in the selection of beneficiary students by the Bursaries Committee.
Professor Luo told a press briefing yesterday the increase in the number of beneficiary students followed a request made to the Ministry of Finance for possible additional funding.
She said the request was necessitated by 1,916 appeals from students who had not been selected for bursary for the 2016/2017 academic year.
Prof Luo said priority was given to students from the School of Natural Sciences followed by those doing the Bachelor of Education with Sciences who were all selected and awarded various percentages of sponsorship ranging from 50 to 100.
Last year, the ministry of Higher Education had awarded government bursaries to 2,009 students from UNZA out of the 3,982 students who were eligible for sponsorship
Meanwhile, Prof Luo has suspended the bursaries of three students who invited first year students to the Monk Square last Friday to riot over bursaries.
“I want to give a timely warning to organisers of riots at both the Copperbelt University (CBU) and UNZA that I will never close their schools during my tenure but will not entertain damage to property and I will take appropriate action against any ringleader,” she warned.
Prof Luo said she has a video of the students who were encouraging others to riot.
It’s good that government has finally increased the number of students to be offered bursaries at UNZA..it’s their duty not a favour they are doing
Meanwhile unemployment rate is also increasing with 0 Job creation under pf
what is 600 against the 12, 000 students? These are probably the children of those with links who were left out in the first round and are now being squeezed in. seriously, how does the entire govt even announce that they have increased the number by 600?
Zambians love free things. No wonder people are lazy and keep waiting for handouts from either government or International well wisher. If the spirit of hardwork was encouraged people will grow their own food…
@NE what have you done for mother Zambia, please stop making excuses and blaming the government of the day. Take a good hard look at your life, your life is your responsibility if you do not like what you have, then get ready to act and move on.
What is the status on the student loan system?
Another proposal gathering dust!