The North-Western Provincial Administration recently hosted a delegation of fourth-year students from Copperbelt University as part of an academic field study focused on regional planning and sustainable development. The visit took place yesterday morning and brought together students, academic staff, and senior government officials in a discussion centered on socio-economic development priorities in the province. The students were accompanied by their Course Coordinator in the Regional Planning Studio from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning within the School of Built Environment, Mrs. Priscilla Mudenda. The engagement formed part of a structured learning exercise aimed at exposing students to real-world development planning challenges. It also provided a platform for direct interaction between future planners and government decision makers.
The primary objective of the field study is to collect socio-economic data that will help the students assess development dynamics within North-Western Province. The research focuses on how different sectors such as infrastructure, mining, agriculture, education, and local governance can contribute to sustainable regional development. The students are expected to analyze both opportunities and constraints that shape growth in the province. Their findings will form part of their academic work in regional planning and will also contribute to practical understanding of development processes. By engaging directly with communities and institutions, the students gain insight into how policy and implementation intersect at provincial level.
Speaking during the engagement with the visiting students, North-Western Province Permanent Secretary, Col. Grandson Wishikoti Katambi (Rtd), reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting students in public universities across the country. He emphasized that education remains a key priority and that government continues to invest in creating an enabling environment for academic growth and skills development. He encouraged the students to remain focused on their studies and to use such field opportunities to deepen their understanding of regional development challenges. He also stressed the importance of maintaining structured communication between students, university management, and government institutions. This approach, he noted, helps build stronger coordination and ensures that concerns are addressed effectively.
Col. Katambi further pledged government’s support to Copperbelt University and the visiting students throughout their field activities in North-Western Province. He highlighted that such academic engagements are valuable because they bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. The Permanent Secretary also noted that the province remains open to partnerships that promote research, planning, and sustainable development. He assured the delegation that relevant provincial offices would cooperate fully to facilitate access to information needed for their study. His remarks underscored the administration’s recognition of the role universities play in shaping future development professionals.
The meeting was also attended by North-Western Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi, along with other senior government officials who participated in discussions and welcomed the students. Their presence reinforced the importance the provincial administration places on academic collaboration and knowledge sharing. The officials interacted with the students and provided additional context on development priorities and ongoing projects within the province. The engagement created an opportunity for meaningful dialogue between students and policymakers. It also strengthened institutional links between Copperbelt University and the North-Western Provincial Administration.
The visit reflects a growing emphasis on experiential learning in higher education, where students are encouraged to engage directly with communities and governance structures. Through such field studies, future planners gain practical exposure to the complexities of regional development and policy implementation. The North-Western Province continues to position itself as a key partner in academic research and development training. By supporting initiatives like this, government institutions help build capacity among young professionals who will later contribute to national development. The collaboration between Copperbelt University and the provincial administration demonstrates the value of linking education with real-world development needs.