Minister of Education Douglas Siyakalima says the Government has placed education at the center of national development.
The media reports that Mr Siyakalima said the reintroduction of free education in Early Childhood to Secondary level is a testament of the importance the government attaches to the education sector.
Mr Siyakalima explained that the provision of free education has enabled thousands of families who would not have been able to access education.
The Minister indicated that the burden of school fees was a huge barrier in accessing education for many families and guardians.
He disclosed that with the advent of free education classrooms are full of vulnerable learners who would have been left behind.
Mr Siyakalima said the free education policy has rekindled belief in the power of free education.
The Minister said this in a speech read for him by Ministry of Education Director University Education, Brian Makufele during the launch of UNZA @ 60 anniversary and alumni reunion.
Meanwhile, Mr Siyakalima says the University of Zambia has continued to play an important role through research.
He said the research conducted by the university has helped to inform policy in health, education, agriculture and environment.
Mr Siyakalima stressed that UNZA has remained a trusted institution for knowledge production.
And speaking earlier, UNZA Vice Chancellor, Mundia Muya noted that the university has in the last six decades nurtured men and women who greatly contribute to the development of the country.
Prof Muya pointed out that UNZA has been a hub of research and innovation, generating knowledge that has shared policy, industry, and social progress.
He said the university has stood as a guardian of the nation’s values, ethical reflection and public responsibility.
Prof Muya said UNZA has been a home to generations of scholars who have shipped Zambia and influenced communities across the world.
“From Presidents to Cabinet Ministers, from Lawmakers to Judges, from Entrepreneurs to Researches, from public servants to global professionals,” stated Mr Muya.
He said UNZA alumni continue to make an indelible mark across continents.
Prof Muya has implored UNZA alumni to support the university as it celebrates its 60 years anniversary on the 11th of July 2026.
