By PASSY HAACHIZO  –
THE Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) has challenged higher institutions of learning to remain responsible at all times and be models for the society through engaging in dialogue whenever aggrieved.
Speaking during the Labour Day Celebrations at Godfrey Chitalu stadium in Kabwe, ZFE representative Christopher Walimuntu said dialogue was the best weapon to avoid jeopardising the smooth running of any institution.
Mr Walimuntu admonished what he termed as premature closure of the Copperbelt University (CBU) and University of Zambia (UNZA), which  would have been avoided, had dialogue been utilised.
“As Federation of Workers we hope that the recent closure of our two universities will be the last premature closures we are going to witness in the country,” he said.
Mr Walimuntu said there was need for every student to look ahead and come to the realisation that any misbehaviour or misconduct would only bring disruption in their education calendar.
He appealed to Government to also find ways of honouring public universities and colleges for following public obligations.
ZFE was concerned that there was something gravely wrong with the education system at the universities, which he described as being characterised by multiple of issues that had diluted the system.
Mr Walimuntu said both Government and the universities should to take advantage of the Labour Day celebrations to continue promoting higher education as one factor to grow the society.
He said his organisation would remain a hardcore in ensuring that all workers were protected and considered equal despite sex and status.
Mr Walimuntu said there was also need for tripartite partnership between Government, the labour movement and the Federation of employers if sustainable development was to be achieved.