Government says enhanced tertiary education is a major driving force for economic enhancement.
Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Childhood Education, John Phiri, says economic enhancement and sustainable development can only be made possible through improved tertiary education.
Dr Phir said this in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Patrick Mukanga, during the University of Lusaka (UNILUS) First Graduation ceremony held at government complex today.
Dr Phiri explained that improved tertiary education can be achieved through demand responsiveness in which higher institutions of learning can design learning programmes that provide a fertile environment for technological advancements.
He added that institutions of higher learning should also set standards that represent a high benchmark of improved quality of education delivery to students as this will determine their contribution towards enhanced economic development.
Dr Phiri has since urged high institutions of learning to maintain high standards of education delivery in line with the recently introduced Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013.
And University of Lusaka Chancellor, Caleb Fundanga, advised the graduates to utilise the skills acquired during their years of education towards demonstrating increased productivity in their work output.
Dr Fundanga challenged the graduates to dedicate more time in research developments in their various fields of study thus contributing to the enhancement of their fields.
He further advised them to embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship and the passion for achieving quality growth in their quest to improve the current state of the economy.
Meanwhile University of Lusaka Vice Chancellor, Pinalo Chifwanakeni, urged the graduating students to engage in value addition as this will bring about development in the nation.
Mr Chifwanakeni said optimum contribution from the students is required as government in the recent past has focused on value addition which is a means of generating income necessary for development.
He challenged the graduating students to identify opportunities for wealth creation in various sectors of the economy.
He has since commended government and the Copperbelt University for contributions made in enhancing educational standards at the university.
Too much talk….we need action and not talk all tenure….show us by educating every citizen regardless their status ah ah…kulandalandafye lyonse tamubomba ukufikapo
What kulanda landa naiwe? There they are, making some people go out with degrees. They have provided an education which is in itself a very big achievement. You mean no one said anything useful at your graduation if you ever seen any graduation? Those guys who have graduated will become useful members of society. What context is your comment?
What have you done yourself for this country apart from ukulanda landa?
What are you talking about? Ifyakulandalanda is you! Haven’t you seen the graduates here? Haven’t you seen the number of universities the GRZ is building?
This is very true.
Hugh? Kwikalafye ngatamukwete ifyakulanda.
Congrats graduands. It is a momentous occasion to graduate. Yes, jobs may not come immediately for some of you but your escape from mediocrity can’t be reversed by any challenges. You are now intellectuals. Please make a difference by making quality informed contributions in society.
I like your comment
Number 4 I like your comment. Indeed it pays to graduate. Will be graduating in 2015 for the third time in my life. Cant wait to do it again.