A FEW years after independence when Zambia had a small population amidst a booming economy, it was easy for the Government to provide bursaries to all the school leavers who were accepted for further studies at the University of Zambia (UNZA).
Then it did not matter what background each student came from. Whether from rich or poor family, the only qualification for a Government bursary was a letter of acceptance from the UNZA registrar.
Also what did not matter was whether one had six or 24 points reflecting on his or her form five (now Grade 12) certificate. The Bursaries Committee treated them equally when it came to awarding bursaries.
Over time with population increase, coupled with astronomical tuition fees demanded by the universities, including public universities, such a ‘honey moon’ suddenly became practically impossible.
As Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education John Phiri says, it has become clear that the old system is no longer able to adapt to the now-changed social and economic features of the country.
Of course this does not mean the Government has altogether abandoned its longstanding responsibility of granting university students bursaries.
There are still many deserving students on Government sponsorship. In any case, the majority of bursary applications are managed by the Government, through the Ministry of Education’s Bursaries Committee.
The Bursaries Committee to date remains the first point of call for majority students accepted to pursue further studies at UNZA and the Copperbelt University.
Every year around February/March and September, the Bursaries Committee places advertisements in the media inviting ‘suitably qualified Zambians’ to apply for these scholarships. But this is one fierce contest where not all students are expected to get such sponsorship.
The bursaries for successful applicants are in four categories, and these are 100 per cent for those known as fully disadvantaged students, 75 per cent where a student contributes 25 per cent of the tuition fees, 50 per cent where a student contributes 50 per cent and 25 per cent where a student contributes 75 per cent.
The 100 per cent bursary is meant for students who are described as being disadvantaged by virtue of their parents having passed on, and this is where the issue of death certificates comes in to prove to the Bursaries Committee that these candidates really qualify for this sponsorship.
However, for those applicants who are supposed to meet part of the costs, experience shows that not all are in a position to do so, even in situations where these students have to contribute 25 per cent.
This is where private sector participation becomes of paramount importance. And we salute Bayport Financial Services that has seen the need to get involved in sponsoring university students.
Giving scholarships to 50 first-year UNZA students covering tuition, accommodation and monthly allowances, in addition to 40 partial scholarships, is a commendable thing for which Bayport should be hailed, and which should be emulated by other companies.
This is a perfect example of the famous ‘ploughing back into the community’ mantra we are accustomed to.