UNZA debt reaches K2.3 billion

Students hostels at the University of Zambia

The University of Zambia (UNZA) statutory and contractual debt has accumulated to K2.3 Billion as at 31st March, 2015.

This is as a consequence of government’s failure to meet the 100 percent funding for the University’s gross personal emoluments budget as prescribed in the country’s policy on funding for higher education.

UNZA Vice Chancellor Stephen Simukanga has disclosed that currently government is only contributing 23 percents towards the University’s personal emoluments.

Professor Simukanga has also disclosed that government currently owes UNZA a total sum of K76.7 million in tuition and accommodation fees.

He says this is a result of consistent delays by government in disbursing tuition fees due to UNZA which has crippled the smooth operational performance of the University.

Professor Simukanga predicts that the year 2015 is expected to be more challenging for the highest learning institution in the country following the decline in the government grant allocation by K2 million.

Professor Simukanga was speaking this morning when he presented Education Minister Michael Kaingu with a report on the operations of UNZA and the current challenges it is facing.

And Dr. Kaingu, who was on a familiarization tour of the University’s infrastructure said government, is also concerned about the need for staff development at the University.

Dr. Kaingu says this is especially that it has become clear that the issue of limited staff is now an acute problem.

He says for the fact that government cannot manage to pay for all the needs of the University, the country’s highest learning institution is encouraged to engage in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) like it has done with the construction of East Park Mall on its land.