The Republican President, His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, has pledged to complete the students’ hostels both at the University of Zambia’s Great East Road and Ridgeway Campuses on Wednesday, 9th April 2025.
Speaking during the tour of incomplete hostels at both campuses, President Hichilema said the New Dawn government has prioritised education and is committed to resolving the challenges the university was facing. President Hichilema said his government has developed a deliberate strategy to promote education from the grassroots because education was an equaliser.
“As a government, we are aware of the challenges you, the students, are going through, and this government, your government, is determined to resolve these problems one by one,” he said.
The Head of State said the New Dawn government has demonstrated its seriousness in improving the standard of living of the Zambian people through the implementation of several social and educational programmes.
“Our focus and approach in development is deliberate and methodical. From the time we took leadership in 2021, we have implemented programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer, we have increased the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), we have introduced free education, and more importantly, we have not only reintroduced meal allowances for university students, but we have also increased the number of beneficiaries,” he said.
The President said his government was ready to do more in supporting students’ welfare and further appealed to all the University of Zambia alumni to supplement government efforts by ploughing back to the university through the adoption of rooms.
“As the government is doing its part, I want to appeal to those who passed through UNZA to support this institution in one way or the other. This could involve mentoring current students, providing scholarships, or contributing to infrastructure improvements. Together, we can ensure that future generations receive the quality education they deserve," he said.
He further said, "I have led by example. Last time when I came to UNZA, I pledged to renovate my former room at Tiyende Pamodzi (TP) block 5 room 11, and I want to announce that I have fulfilled my pledge, and I have also gone further to support the renovation of the whole TP Block 5. This initiative is just the beginning, and I urge my fellow alumni to join me in making a positive impact on our beloved university. Together, we can create an environment that fosters learning and growth for future generations of students”.
He emphasized the importance of collective effort, noting that even small contributions can lead to significant change. "Let's unite our resources and ideas to ensure that our campus remains a place where innovation thrives and memories are made," he said.
And University of Zambia Student Union (UNZASU) President Dickson Mutambo thanked President Hichilema for his dedication to improving the welfare of students at UNZA. Mr. Mutambo said his union was grateful for the president’s support, as it was evident from the reintroduction of meal allowances as well as the desire to complete the hostels whose construction had stalled for many years.
The UNZASU President said the completion of hostels will help to resolve the accommodation challenges the institution has grappled with for many years.
“Mr. President, your visit today gives us hope that these hostels will be completed. However, we also wish to request that your government also help in resolving the problem of sanitation, which has been there for a long time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ridgeway Campus UNZASU President Preston Mulala said the students were hopeful in the New Dawn government because it had demonstrated that it was capable of fulfilling its promises.
“Mr. President, your government has scored in many areas, and as students, we are also hopeful that you will fulfill your promise of completing these hostels,” he said.
Mr. Mulala pledged the students’ support, ensuring that there was a good and cordial working relationship between the union and the government.