Zambia Targets 15% Higher Education Enrolment as Government Expands Access and Teacher Recruitment

In a strategic push to elevate Zambia’s educational landscape, the government has set an ambitious goal to increase higher education enrolments from the current 7 percent to 15 percent.

This was revealed by the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, as he addressed graduates during the 12th Graduation Ceremony of Eden University in Lusaka.

Mr. Mutati highlighted that the government’s efforts to recruit thousands of teachers, improve infrastructure, and create a conducive learning environment are part of its broader vision to boost education access.

We are committed to ensuring that a larger portion of the adult population is educated, as this is crucial to promoting literacy and developing the intellectual capital needed to address national challenges.

Hon. Felix Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science, Zambia

Speaking to the 1,191 graduates, the minister emphasized the vital role they play in shaping Zambia’s future. He pointed out that educated individuals hold the key to innovative solutions in critical areas such as energy, climate change, and poverty alleviation.

Graduates are the problem solvers our country needs. You must now step out and help the government address some of the pressing issues we face.

Hon. Felix Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science, Zambia

The graduation ceremony, themed “Unleashing Innovative Intellectuals for Transformative Change”, saw graduates from over 20 countries being conferred with Diplomas, Bachelors, and Masters degrees in a range of fields, including Clinical Medicine, Environmental Health, Human Biology, and General Medicine.

In recognition of academic excellence, the top graduating student, Webster Chilufya Lumbala from the School of Nursing, was awarded the best overall graduate.

Eden University President, Kelvin Kaunda, used the occasion to advocate for more inclusive financial support from the government. He urged the extension of bursaries and student loans to private institutions, arguing that many students in private universities face financial hardships despite their efforts to pursue courses unavailable in public universities.