MINISTER of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education Michael Kaingu has appointed an interim committee to run the affairs of the University of Zambia (UNZA) until the substantive council of the university is appointed.
And Dr Kaingu has tasked the interim committee to ensure that a new vice-chancellor is quickly installed at UNZA.
The minister said at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday that his ministry is currently constituting the new UNZA council in accordance with the Higher Education Act No 4 of 2013.
Dr Kaingu said part V, Section 32 (2) of the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 provides that the minister shall appoint a caretaker committee which shall exercise the powers, functions and duties of the council.
“In conformity with this provision in the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013, and in order to ensure the smooth operations of the university, I have appointed a caretaker committee for UNZA,” Dr Kaingu said.
Those appointed are Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education permanent secretary Patrick Nkanza, director planning and development David Ndopu, director human resources and administration Binwell Mwansa, director standards and curriculum Cecilia Sakala and chief accountant Levy Mwanza.
Others are Audrey Chinama-Malama of Standard Chartered Bank, committee chairperson Namucana Musiwa from the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management, UNZA acting vice-chancellor Enala Tembo-Mwase, University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers Union (UNZALARU) president Euston Chiputa and University of Zambia Students Union president Martin Muyuya.
Dr Kaingu said the interim committee will serve until the substantive council is appointed.
“I also wish to inform the nation that we held a consultative meeting with the executive of UNZALARU on Tuesday August 11, 2015. This was an exchange of information and concerns shared between all of us and we agreed to work together, in a shared spirit of continuous consultation and dialogue towards seeking solutions to the problems in our university. I have taken note of their concerns and we shall work towards the restoration of the normal academic life of the university,” he said.
Dr Kaingu also commended the Copperbelt University Academics Union (CBUAU) leadership and members for the co-operation exhibited during their recent discussions with his ministry, which led to the reopening of the institution.
“I also pay tribute to the Minister of Labour and Social Security [Fackson Shamenda], his team and the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions for the vital support they provided to this process,” Dr Kaingu said.
He also said his ministry is working on all issues of concern to the academic staff and all other communities of CBU.
