LUSAKA - The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has challenged all presidential candidates to present a clear strategy for establishing a public university in every province between 2027 and 2031.
Speaking to Phoenix News, NAQEZ Executive Director Dr. Aaron Chansa said Zambia risks remaining among African countries with poor-quality education if investment in the sector is not significantly increased.
Dr. Chansa expressed concern over what he described as the lack of consistent commitments from presidential candidates regarding the construction of King Lewanika University in Mongu, as well as proposed public universities in Solwezi, Chipata, and other parts of the country.
He said every province should have at least one public university by 2031 to improve access to higher education.
However, Dr. Chansa welcomed the commitment by all presidential candidates to continue implementing the free education policy.
He also noted the campaign promises made by National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, including plans to improve salary scales for more than 50,000 teachers, provide free textbooks to learners, build houses for teachers, increase student meal allowances, and introduce a debt swap initiative for civil servants.
Dr. Chansa said NAQEZ will closely monitor the commitments made by political parties during the campaign period and hold the party that forms the next government accountable for fulfilling its promises.
Source: Phoenix News