On Monday, 26 August 2024, the Director-General of the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Professor Kazhila C. Chinsembu, hosted a pivotal Breakfast Meeting at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka. This important event brought together Vice-Chancellors of private universities and Principals of private university colleges across Zambia, fostering collaboration and dialogue about the future of higher education in the country.
Sponsorship and Significance
The Breakfast Meeting was generously sponsored by Astria Learning Zambia, a leading player in the education sector, renowned for its commitment to enhancing educational delivery and quality in Zambia. The gathering provided a significant opportunity for participants to discuss various aspects of higher education, including quality assurance, curriculum development and the role of private institutions within the broader educational landscape.
Diverse Representation
In addition to Unicaf University, the meeting witnessed the attendance of a diverse array of institutions, reflecting the vibrant higher education sector in Zambia. In total, over 30 universities and colleges were represented, demonstrating a united front in the pursuit of quality education. This collaboration is essential in tackling the evolving challenges faced by the sector.
Collaborative Discussions on Quality Education
During the meeting, Professor Chinsembu emphasised the importance of collaboration among private institutions to address the challenges confronting higher education. He encouraged open dialogue and knowledge sharing to enhance the quality of education and ensure that it meets the needs of the Zambian workforce.
Astria Zambia Country Manager, Ms Florence Mpemba, shared her insights, highlighting the need for innovative solutions in education delivery to keep pace with global standards. The HEA Corporate Communications Officer, Mr Birbal Boniface Musoba, efficiently directed the proceedings, ensuring that all voices were heard during the discussions.
Extensive Media Coverage
The Breakfast Meeting garnered extensive media coverage, thanks to the support of various media houses, including 5 FM Radio, Central Voice TV, Daily Nation Newspaper, Zambia News Agency and Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC). This coverage is crucial in amplifying the message of transformative higher education, reaching a wider audience across Zambia.
A Collective Vision for the Future of Education
As the meeting concluded, Professor Hellecy Ng’ambi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kabwe, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of all participants, recognising the significance of such gatherings in shaping the future of education in Zambia.
The HEA expressed gratitude to all media houses for their coverage, affirming their commitment to promoting the vital role of higher education in national development.
This Breakfast Meeting serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit of Zambia’s private higher education sector, paving the way for a brighter future in education, research, and innovation. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, private institutions can work together to address challenges and drive meaningful change in the Zambian higher education landscape.