President Hakainde Hichilema welcomed thousands of University of Zambia (UNZA) students to State House yesterday afternoon. The gathering brought together students from both the Great East Road and Ridgeway campuses, who presented their newly elected student leadership for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Addressing the students, President Hichilema underscored his government’s firm belief that education remains the most powerful investment, equaliser, and inheritance for Zambia’s future. He reiterated that free education is only the beginning, and that government continues to address broader issues facing the higher education sector.
Key areas of focus highlighted include:
- Expanding accommodation facilities to meet the growing demand for student housing.
- Improving sanitation on campuses to enhance student welfare.
- Increasing the number of beneficiaries under the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board to ensure more students have access to financial support.
The President stressed that government will not relent in its investment in education. He pointed out that a skilled and educated population is the surest path to Zambia’s economic growth and social progress.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for open dialogue with students, who remain an important constituency in shaping the nation’s future. President Hichilema thanked the UNZA student community, fondly referring to them as “ba Monk naba Moma,” for their visit and commitment to engaging constructively with government.
By strengthening the education system and supporting young people, government aims to unlock innovation, create opportunities, and build resilience across the economy. President Hichilema reaffirmed that these investments in education will continue to stand at the heart of Zambia’s development agenda.