The Ministry of Education has raised concerns over proposals to cancel student loans and replace them with a full bursary system for tertiary education in Zambia. Permanent Secretary Dr Kelvin Mambwe challenged the practicality of the proposal and called for clear explanations on how such a system would be financed. The remarks come in response to statements made by Brian Mundubile, the NRPUP presidential candidate, who has pledged to abolish student loans if elected and introduce a comprehensive bursary scheme. The discussion has sparked renewed debate on how Zambia should fund higher education in a sustainable way. It also highlights ongoing tensions between political promises and fiscal realities in the education sector.
Dr Mambwe questioned where the financial resources would come from to support such an ambitious policy shift. He stressed that any proposal to replace student loans with bursaries must be backed by a clear and realistic funding model. According to him, public finance decisions must take into account the country’s limited fiscal space and competing national priorities. He noted that tertiary education funding requires long-term planning and stable revenue sources. Without this, he warned, such policies could place additional strain on the national budget. His remarks emphasized the need for policy proposals that are grounded in economic feasibility rather than political ambition alone.
The Permanent Secretary also pointed to historical decisions made during the previous Patriotic Front administration, where Mundubile served in government. He referenced the abolition of student meal allowances during that period as an example of difficult policy choices driven by budget constraints. Dr Mambwe questioned how a leader who was part of a government that reduced student financial support would now propose eliminating student loans entirely. He argued that such a shift would require significantly higher levels of funding than what was previously available. His comments suggest that past fiscal decisions should be considered when evaluating current policy promises. The issue has reignited discussion on consistency in education policy approaches across different political administrations.
Mundubile has argued that, if elected, his government would scrap the student loan system and introduce a bursary-based model for tertiary education. He has maintained that education should be fully supported through grants rather than repayable loans. His proposal is aimed at reducing financial pressure on students and increasing access to higher education institutions. However, the Ministry of Education has expressed skepticism about the financial sustainability of such a system. Officials argue that replacing loans with full bursaries would require a substantial and continuous budget increase. This has raised questions about whether such a policy could be implemented without affecting other critical sectors.
Dr Mambwe emphasized that the current student loan system is designed to balance access to education with financial sustainability. He noted that while improvements may be needed, completely abolishing the system could create funding gaps that the government may struggle to fill. He also highlighted that Zambia operates within a constrained fiscal environment that requires careful prioritization of spending. Education, health, infrastructure and social protection all compete for limited national resources. He warned that policy proposals must consider these competing demands to avoid undermining other development goals. His position reflects a broader concern about maintaining stability in public financial management.
The debate over student funding models comes at a time when access to tertiary education remains a priority for many young Zambians. Rising demand for higher education has increased pressure on government support systems, including loans and bursaries. Stakeholders have long called for reforms that improve efficiency, transparency and accessibility in student funding. However, differences remain on whether the best approach is to expand loan schemes or transition fully to bursaries. The Ministry maintains that any reforms must be backed by sustainable financing structures. This ongoing debate continues to shape discussions around education reform and youth development policy.
The exchange between the Ministry of Education and political leaders reflects deeper questions about how Zambia should finance higher education in a sustainable and equitable way. Dr Kelvin Mambwe’s concerns highlight the importance of aligning policy promises with economic reality and long-term budget planning. While proposals to expand bursaries and eliminate student loans aim to improve access to education, they also raise serious fiscal considerations that must be addressed. The discussion underscores the need for balanced approaches that support students while maintaining national financial stability. As debates continue, the focus remains on finding practical solutions that ensure expanded access to tertiary education without compromising other critical sectors of the economy.