Govt Aims to Double Higher Education Enrolment to 15%
The Zambian government has set an ambitious goal to increase higher education enrolment from the current 7% to 15%. Speaking at the 12th Graduation Ceremony of Eden University in Lusaka, Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati highlighted the government’s focus on improving the education sector as a key pillar of national development.
Minister Mutati outlined several initiatives aimed at achieving this target, including the recruitment of thousands of teachers, significant investments in educational infrastructure, and creating a conducive environment for higher learning institutions to flourish.
He stressed the importance of an educated population in addressing national challenges such as climate change, poverty, and energy shortages.
“Education is the key to unlocking innovative solutions for the challenges Zambia faces today,” Mutati said, encouraging the 1,191 graduates in attendance to take an active role in solving these issues. Graduates received diplomas, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in various fields, including Clinical Medicine, Environmental Health, and Human Biology.
The Minister also praised the international appeal of Zambia’s education system, noting that the graduates represented over 20 different countries. “This highlights Zambia’s growing reputation as an education hub in the region,” he said.
In his remarks, Eden University President Kelvin Kaunda called on the government to extend bursaries and student loans to private institutions. He emphasized that students in private universities often face financial difficulties, even though some choose these institutions for courses not available in public universities.
