By KASONDE KASONDEMU  –
MULUNGUSHI University Chancellor Oliver Saasa said the Government’s role in the delivery of quality tertiary education is crucial for national development.
Professor Saasa thanked the ministry of finance for the proposed 2015 Budget which has allocated K9.4 billion to education.
During the sixth graduation ceremony in Kabwe recently, Prof Saasa said the gesture speaks to the recognition by the Government of the importance of higher education in national development.
Prof Saasa said quality education calls for continuous investment and reinvestment in academic, technical and administrative personnel most importantly in the university’s ability to retain the personnel.
He said the international standing of any university is most importantly determined by the quality and calibre of its lecturers and professors. Prof Saasa added that it is important for the university Council to give highest priority to the conditions under which its academic staff operates.
“It is important to ensure that academic staff are comfortable as they are the pillars of quality education without whom the mandate of the university would not be fulfilled,” Prof Saasa said.
Speaking earlier Mulungushi Vice Chancellor Hellicy N’gambi said the role of higher education as a major driver of economic development is well established and will increase as further changes in technology impact the Zambian economy.
Prof Ng’ambi said to remain competitive in light of these changes regions would need to improve productivity and adopt an innovative spirit.
She said having a more educated workforce enables organisations to take advantage of new economic opportunities leading to improved performance.
Prof N’gambi said economic growth can lead to greater national and personal wealth which increases the resources available and opportunities for education.