University of Zambia (UNZA) Acting Head of Communication and Marketing, Damaseke Chibale, has vehemently refuted allegations suggesting that the university produces inferior degrees, labeling them as malicious. Mr. Chibale’s statement comes in response to online claims questioning the quality of education provided by UNZA.
In an interview with ZNBC News, Mr. Chibale highlighted UNZA’s prestigious recognition as one of the best universities according to the Times Education Sub-Saharan Africa University rankings. He emphasized that such accolades underscore UNZA’s commitment to academic excellence and its status as a reputable institution.
Mr. Chibale urged stakeholders and the public to disregard the unfounded allegations circulating online, emphasizing that they are aimed at undermining the credibility of UNZA. He reiterated the university’s dedication to upholding academic integrity and ensuring the delivery of high-quality education to its students.
As UNZA continues its mission to provide outstanding educational opportunities, Mr. Chibale reaffirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to maintaining its esteemed reputation and fostering a conducive learning environment for all its stakeholders.
The University of Zambia was ranked 6th best university in Africa from 156 universities in 20 countries by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.At the global level, UNZA was ranked in the 501-600 position out of 1,799 participating universities.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 include 1,799 universities across 104 countries and regions, making them the largest and most diverse university rankings to date.
The table is based on 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators that measure an institution’s performance across four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.
Recently the United Kingdom Home Office made a decision to exclude University of Zambia (UNZA) graduates from the High Potential Individuals (HPI) visa program. This decision stemed from concerns regarding the perceived inferiority of degrees awarded by UNZA.
The HPI visa program is a UK initiative aimed at attracting “highly skilled graduates” from international universities outside of the UK. The program seeks to invite talented individuals to contribute their expertise to various sectors within the UK economy, with a particular focus on areas such as science and technology.
According to assessments conducted by the UK-NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre), the comparability of UNZA degrees to British academic standards raises doubts. For instance, the evaluation indicates that a bachelor’s degree in humanities from UNZA is considered equivalent to the British two-year Higher National Diploma. Similarly, bachelor’s degrees in medicine, engineering, and law from UNZA are deemed comparable to the three-year British Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree standard.
This decision has sparked concerns and debates within both academic and diplomatic circles. It has raised questions about the recognition and value of degrees obtained from UNZA, one of Zambia’s leading academic institutions. Critics argue that such exclusions could undermine the reputation and opportunities for UNZA graduates seeking to pursue further studies or employment abroad.
The exclusion of UNZA graduates from the HPI visa program underscores the importance of maintaining high academic standards and ensuring international recognition of qualifications. It also highlights the need for ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and competitiveness of education provided by institutions like UNZA.
In response to this development, stakeholders including UNZA officials, government representatives, and academic bodies are likely to engage in dialogue with the UK authorities to address concerns and explore potential avenues for resolving the issue. These discussions may involve efforts to clarify misconceptions about UNZA degrees, provide additional evidence of academic rigor and quality assurance measures, and explore possibilities for mutual recognition agreements between educational institutions in Zambia and the UK.
Overall, the exclusion of UNZA graduates from the HPI visa program underscores the complexities and challenges associated with international recognition of academic qualifications. It serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous improvement and collaboration in the pursuit of academic excellence and global recognition.
My view us that the degradation of UNZA degrees has more to do with awarding honorary PhDs to undeserving individuals. What accomplishments have Edgar Lungu and Zimbabwe’s Edson Munagagwa achieved to receive honorary PhDs? Recall the drama of how the senate and council were harassed to bestow the the PhDs on the two. Autocracy, dictatorship,cadreism, lawlessness and violence!!! And you awarding PhDs for that? For those that are young. Makerere university suffered the same fate during and after the rein of dictator Idi Amin for similar abuse of the ivory tower.
We need to hit back and stop recognising their degrees. We need to impose visa fees on English people, the way the do to us. We also need to deny English people born in Zambia automatic citizenship. We need to vet the English already in Zambia to see if they are making efforts to assimilate, and if they were involved in the racist wars in Southern Africa. When you stand for yourself, people will respect you
Rather terrible response from Maseke, why didn’t he address the UK position on UNZA degrees? Surely, our degrees need much more work. His response seems to suggest that we cannot do better and our quality of education now is as good as it gets.
A University teaches you how to think at a higher level of understanding in your chosen field and apply what you learn to the real world. UNZA is up to the task.
Well, publications and research output by UNZA lectures which may give UNZA a higher ranking is not reflected in the calibre of graduates being produced today. Absenteeism among UNZA students today is very high and there is little learning on the part of students going on. The failure rate of UNZA students today is so high today that supplementary exams that were reserved for only the school of medicine has been extended to all schools. All this has to do with the breakdown in our educational system starting from primary to secondary and tertiary levels. UPND’s free education of overcrowded classrooms and fewer teachers is only compounding the situation further.
A laughable response. How can they produce world class qualifications when they use their dicks to assess and award marks to female students? Some of their lecturers have faced disciplinary action while others are in court facing charges from such activities. Just accept that you’ve turned these institutions into brothels.
A degree from UNZA is not useless. I had expected a more senior academic to respond to this very serious matter and not Damaseke Chibale.
Mr when you are sick, you will go to be treated by a Zambian doctor. When your wife divorces you, you will find a Zambian lawyer! When you do not have electricity, you will call upon Zambian engineers to bring back your power. here you are bashing the very institution that is supporting you. Stop this foolery and support that institution.
Language please! Children read your posts, do not use words like “di**s”!!
UNZA degree is useless believe me I have worked with graduates from UNZA who are just good at theories. UNZA uses an outdated UK curriculum and outdated UK books. When did UNZA ever review its curriculum. The people that are denying you visa know it better because they know you are using their toilet paper for books at UNZA.
Yes sir all Universities focus on theory. Thats the essence of a University. They are not Technical Colleges.
@PhD Yakuti? you must be UNZA to the core. Try Universities in America and see how much theory is there. Universities in America are very close to the Industry to an extent that some studies are conducted right at the Industry. No these PHDs we see someone talking about something he has never physically seen.
I do not agree that UNZA has poor quality degrees, the issue here is caused by the management of this university, do they really give marks to deserving students? I think that is where the problem is, let us not just burry our heads in the sand why waiting to be told by SA and UK when our institution for layers has been always proving that point year in and year out, just look the number of students who make it at the bar it is very clear something is not right here. Just check the results for these students who sit the law /bar examinations. That confirms what SA/UK is saying.
Zambia has poor educational standards because the Examinations Council of Zambia is corrupt. Most of the kids scoring six points are dude. Given a Cambridge examination they wouldnt score as highly. When I took five of my members of staff’s school leaving certificates for checking I was told they were not registered. Most recruiters/employers dont have time to investigate these fake certificates. They just recruit them. The result is debased academic standards
PhDs awarded to Chagwa and Munangagwa speaks volumes. Senate and council were arm twisted to award those undeserved degrees. Reminds me of the fate of makerere University during the reign of Idi Amin
In fact, Lungu and Mnangagwa need their honorary doctorates in law for exceptional leadership and upholding the rule of law WITHDRAWN by UNZA NOW. The two have proved to be the worst leaders to have occupied those offices – corruption, nepotism, tribalism, violencea d murder. The whole thing has proved to be a mockery. I am sure whoever put his or her signature on those documents is overwhelmed by regret, sadness, repentance and disappointment.
Redeem yourselves!
PhDs conferred, not awarded, to Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zambian president Edgar Lungu were honorary due to the two former students’ assumption of high public office in their respective countries. They had nothing to do with academic achievement and cannot be the basis of assessing UNZA academic standing. UNZA can do a lot to raise its profile. The dons themselves know what ought to be done.
It was irresponsible in the first place to write such a misleading story that implied that all UNZA degrees are useless. If a woman rejects you, are you useless? Other women will take you. UNZA has a lot of degrees that it produces in many faculties. If indeed the degree in question was useless, lets take a degree in mathematics, does that imply that degrees in veterinary medicines are useless? I think we need to be responsible when we put pen to paper what the impact of our words will become. There are many students as we speak out there working hard. Parents paying school fees, lecturers preparing materials, etc. Please be responsible and support your own. Ba Kaunda built that institution for us and we just have to steward it, not kicking it after it has done its work for us.
If a woman rejects you are you useless would not pass for a research question. May be at UNZA? It is too vague
@Maria, thanks for highlighting the good programs at UNZA. I just wanted you to take time to understand why the UK Home Office excluded UNZA graduates from the High Potential Individuals (HPI) visa program. Naric assess the course content not what the degree states. I want to illustrate to you to understand why UNZA needs to move with time. Since the first intake when UNZA started taking students in 1966, they have been teaching Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Biology to any student that wants to do engineering and medicine. In 1966 this was great and fit for purpose but in 2024, an academic year in Natural Sciences teaching A-levels is a waste of time and needs to change. This is what Naric rates for the BSc Engineering degrees that UNZA offers. Let me give you an example.
The point is this Maria to first year aspiring Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering students under the Natural Sciences umbrella which covers all engineering disciplines offered and medical students at UNZA, they are taught the following:
Mathematic Methods 1100
Introduction to Physics 1010
Introduction to Chemistry 1000 and
Cell Biology and Genetics 1400
This has been like this since UNZA has existed.
Now compare that with Warwick University based in Coventry which teaches these major courses to first year Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering students over 2 semesters:
1.Dynamics & Thermodynamics
2.Electrical & Electronic circuits
3.Engineering Design
4.Engineering Maths
5.Materials for Engineering
6.Sytems Modelling, Simulation & Computation
7.ASICs, MEMS & Smart Devices
8.Advanced Power Electronic Converters & Device
And at University of Cape Town in South Africa first year Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering students are taught the following courses over 2 semesters:
1.Computer science 1015
2.Introduction to Electronic engineering
3.Mathematics 1A for Engineers
4.Engineering Drawing
5.Physics A for Engineers
6.Africa:Culture, ID & Globalisation* (approved minor mandatory course)
7.Computer Science 1016
8.Introduction to Engineering
9.Mathematics 1B for Engineers
10.Physics B for Engineers
11.Practical Training
That’s why the Naric rating from the UK which informs the Home Office is bad for UNZA students regardless of whether some programs are great. The institution needs to do more to develop the curriculum to reflect the times Zambia is in and the challenges the country faces and how what’s being taught at UNZA can help to bring about solutions to many global problems. Natural Science students at UNZA are robbed of a great chance as they spend an entire academic year learning A-levels something UNZA can bridge this by changing it’s entry requirements for its engineering programs. In fact A-levels can be done before a student starts their engineering program at UNZA. This is a weakness even in our secondary schooling.
Washington Accord Accreditation: Most importantly, is the accreditation process most universities globally, have the Washington Accord accreditation for BSc Engineering programmes. UNZA must join this accreditation and many others to help raise the profile of the institution worldwide. Most countries including India, Pakistan, Costa Rica, UK, USA, Taiwan, South Africa, China, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia etc accredit their engineering programs to the Washington Accord. I submit
Mandaliza, I can see why you have a problem with the UNZA system. However, the degrees in SA you mention above are four years long and the UNZA degree is five years. The one year at UNZA is actually spent in the school of natural sciences. So it is actually the same thing, four years for engineering training. At the end of the day, these gradings are subjective and there are commercial interests involved. There is nothing wrong with our first degrees at UNZA, just peoples opinions
Across two rivers namely the Zambezi and Limpopo, here in South Africa the Zambian first degree is rated as M+3 meaning Matric plus three years. simply put a Diploma. A diploma one can get at TVET college.
Not entirely true. I work in a University in South Africa. Just this year, we admitted applicants from Zambia, who have first degrees. They were recognised as having first degrees (not diplomas) and they are now on their Masters studies. UNZA is a good university. It is just this negative development from the UK that is worrying. In Africa (let alone South Africa), UNZA is ranked highly.
When I was recruited by a South African University in 1998 the UNZA first degree was equivalent to an Honours degree. Now its been degraded to a first degree or what you refer to in Zambia as a Diploma. Take note that in South Africa the first degree or Bachelors is three years long
@Anonymous whats your university? you could be at a private one. They are normally only interested in the fees from the entrants
@Albrecht Dietrich: I am at a public university, funded by the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Believe me, the UNZA first degree and the one from CBU are recognised as first degrees in South Africa, not diplomas.
Let us use the criticism to benchmark our performance with other institutions and review our curriculum if need be. Let us make some radical changes to the learning processes to ensure quality products from our universities. One of the biggest challenges at UNZA is the human component in the grading process in an age where human interface must be reduced.
The bigger concern is, if the highest tertiary level institution in our country is labeled as such, where do we place the many mushrooming private universities?
The mushrooming private universities are much better than UNZA.
Why bash UNZA after what it has done for you as a nation?
@Commander G, it is South Africa and UK that started this. Us are just commenting.
The response by the PR is worrying as it is addressed to no body not even the institution that raised the red flag. Ba PR asking us no ignore the allegations is a cheap defensive mechanism. A more senior personnel need to take decisive diplomatic engagement of the instituction that issued such a damaging statement, then assure the public that a comprehensive statement will be issued once engagements are concluded.
Sometimes truth can hurt.
I have worked with so many bright minds from unza and equally I have encountered some who could easily fit the description from UK, get me right not only from unza but also from UK universities.
Its sad that our thinking is measured and analyzed whose perception is absolutely prejudiced
If they are not accepted in the UK then more than likely they are also not accepted in the EU or USA. Better to study abroad if your,intention is to work abroad.
If the degree is not useless then it’s the institution, because you are producing graduates who can’t think out of a box. why do we have engineering graduates and yet we fail to build simple roads and bridges? Why are you producing doctors but then rely on other countries to treat your patients? why are we exporting our raw materials if we have this institution to train our people to add value to raw materials. Why are we failing to feed ourselves in a land of plenty if this institution was powerful? why are our lawyers dependant on English law if the institution can produce brilliant minds? Yes I agree, the degree is good but the institution is rotten.
@Mandaliza: you are comparing the curricula at UNZA with these other universities when you might be aware that our secondary school education differs from theirs. At UNZA, the first year in the sciences basically offers A-levels (“Form 6”), which are done at secondary school level in the UK. That is why all science-based disciplines at UNZA go through those Natural Sciences courses/modules you listed, as “First Years”. Then the students go to their separate schools and start new courses/modules in that discipline, as “Second Years” when in fact they are “First Years” in that discipline. Therefore, your comparison of UNZA with the courses/modules you listed from the University of Warwick or Cape Town is unwarranted. Try again please, compare apples with apples.
@Mandaliza: I am a senior academic working abroad, and a product of UNZA, so I know what I am talking about. That is the true truth.
Anonymous you are a senior academic???? But why the often dirty language? I thought you were a Kaponya Zambian living in the US because his father is in a diplomatic posting
Many post as “Anonymous”, they are not always me. Let us stick to the UNZA matters, they are more serious.
Unza students cant even do a research on Cholera
We need to explore cryptic motives that drive the UK Home Office and its UK – NARIC (National Academic Recognition Centre). UK-NARIC is an Agency responsible for providing official data on international education outside the UK. Since when did UK-NARIC interact with Zambia’s ‘Higher Education Authority” to help it assess academic standards at Unza? At global levels, since when did UK-NARIC consult the Association of Commonwealth Universities whose mission is to promote and support excellence in higher education throughout the Commonwealth of Nations? Reviews of curricula are aimed at upgrading academic standards –and not to dilute academic concepts.
Since its inception in the 1960s, Unza has generated many Bachelor degree holders who have earned admissions to best universities in UK, Canada, Australia etc. Most Unza-trained 1st -degree holders serve as Medical Doctors, Engineers and Lecturers in UK and South Africa (Universities of Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Wits). President HH’s admission to a UK higher degree was based on the strength of the Unza’s Bachelor degree. The immigrants invasion of UK may have been part of the UK’s erroneous decision to pull out of the European Union. Hence, UK-NARIC should not tie immigration issues to higher education.
Making references to Unza having conferred Honorary Doctorate degrees to President EC Lungu and President Munangagwa is a misplaced political agenda. Unza and other Universities in UK, India and USA are entitled to confer such degrees for which recipients are not subjected to writing a thesis nor dissertation.
UNZA should stop caring about what other institutions think, but instead concentrate and invest in strengthening the institution to produce brilliant minds. This means investing in the infrastructure and attracting some of the best lecturers in the world.