President Hichilema Boosts UNZA Student Welfare

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced a significant rise in the University of Zambia (UNZA) accommodation allowance, increasing it from K3,900 to K5,850 as part of a broader effort to ease the financial strain on learners and make higher education more accessible.

Speaking to a packed audience of students at State House, he explained that the adjustment builds on earlier reforms such as the restoration of meal allowances and the rollout of the Free Education Policy, both of which have widened access to schooling across the country.

The Head of State revealed that government is steadily completing long‑stalled hostel projects, with construction advancing to expand on‑campus housing. Parallel investments are upgrading water and sanitation systems, tackling issues that have burdened students for decades. He urged learners to safeguard the improvements by keeping facilities clean and avoiding misuse of sewer lines, stressing that UNZA deserves modern infrastructure that fosters quality teaching and learning.

Closing his remarks, President Hichilema wished students success in their examinations and reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening higher education through enhanced welfare, accommodation, and campus development.

Student leaders welcomed the measures. UNZASU President Mwanto Kabaso commended the administration for addressing sanitation challenges and reinstating meal allowances, noting the positive impact on student welfare. Vice President Jemimah Mwaba highlighted the benefits for female students, pointing out that improved sanitation and national programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer have eased pressures on families.

Zambia National Service Commander Maliti Solochi described the ongoing works as the most extensive since UNZA’s establishment in 1966, underscoring their importance for the institution’s future.