Gov’t Warns Public Universities Against Over-Enrolment
Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Education Services, Dr Kelvin Mambwe, has cautioned public universities against over-enrolling students beyond institutional capacity, warning that the practice places pressure on both universities and Government resources.
Speaking during a tour of Mulungushi University in Kapiri Mposhi and Zambia University College of Technology in Ndola, Dr Mambwe said managing enrolment levels was essential for maintaining quality education and ensuring sustainable institutional growth.
Dr Mambwe noted that some of the challenges affecting public universities could be avoided if institutions aligned student admissions with available infrastructure and resources.
He explained that over-enrolment increases pressure on Government, particularly through the growing number of students applying for bursaries beyond available funding.
The Permanent Secretary further urged university managements to prioritise stakeholder engagement in order to maintain institutional stability and prevent unnecessary unrest on campuses.
According to Dr Mambwe, student concerns, especially those relating to safety and welfare, should be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation or protests that result in property destruction.
He stressed that university authorities must adopt proactive approaches in resolving issues before they escalate into broader security concerns affecting institutions and the country at large.
Addressing student union leaders, Dr Mambwe encouraged them to become ambassadors of peace by resolving grievances amicably and embracing structured dialogue with university management.
He also assured the institutions that Government would continue investing in higher education to produce graduates equipped to contribute to Zambia’s socio-economic development.
Meanwhile, at Mulungushi University, Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Patricia Mukwato pledged that the institution would take into account the Permanent Secretary’s guidance on enrolment management and institutional stability.
Students Union President David Banda thanked Government for its continued interventions in the education sector while calling for improved learning facilities and increased support for innovation among students.
At the Zambia University College of Technology, Executive Director Dr Betty Bweupe reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening higher education through strategic management and innovation-driven approaches.
