Government says it is implementing key reforms in the education sector in order to strengthen the country’s education system.
Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima highlighted establishment of a centralised national student database as one of the key reforms being implemented by government which will improve planning, tracking and resource allocation.
Mr Syakalima said this in a speech read on his behalf by Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Dr Tuesday Bwalya during the inaugural graduation ceremony for Kapasa Makasa University held at the main campus in Chinsali District.
The minister pointed out that government attached great importance to education, stating that this was evident by the many initiatives, such as the introduction of the free education policy, which will soon be enacted into law.
He said government also introduced skills development bursaries, among others, which have enabled many students to access education at various levels.
He added that government has continued to support students through loans and scholarships, which is benefiting many Zambian youths.
Mr Syakalima also reaffirmed government’s commitment to continue investing in the education sector.
He said government was expanding financing opportunities for higher learning institutions through opportunities to access loans from the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC).
The minister said government was also implementing many infrastructure developmental projects in tertiary institutions.
“As much as government is going to build some hostels and infrastructure, higher learning institutions can also expand infrastructure such as hostels, offices and laboratories,” he said.
Mr Syakalima, who congratulated the graduands and called on them to be agents of change and contribute to developing their respective communities and the nation.
“Your degrees are not merely certificates but instruments for national development; you’re expected to contribute positively to innovation and job creation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kapasa Makasa University Vice Chancellor Professor Jacob Mwitwa encouraged the graduates to use the acquired knowledge to drive national change.
Professor Mwitwa also reiterated the commitment of Kapasa Makasa University to continue investing in entrepreneurial activities, particularly in agribusiness.
“We shall not relent to push forward in the arena of research and innovation,” he said
And the graduates who were represented by Mapalo Chime commended Government under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema for its commitment to improving the education sector.
He cited the re-introduction of meal allowances and the expansion of access to education through the introduction of free education as some of the achievements the current government had scored.
This is the first independent graduation ceremony the institution has held after it was de- linked from Copperbelt Province.
The only reforms needed are bringing in qualified teachers to get rid of the assumption some students are more versed than their teachers
Keeping a big part of the population semi literate for the sake of easy votes must stop