THE Ministry of Education has dismissed assertions that the increase in accommodation allowances for government-sponsored students at the University of Zambia (UNZA) was a political decision.

This follows remarks by Professor Nason Ngoma, former Vice-Chancellor of the Copperbelt University, that the adjustment announced by President Hakainde Hichilema was intended to influence voters ahead of the elections.

In a statement issued yesterday, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary-Educational Services Dr Kelvin Mambwe said the intervention was necessitated by UNZA’s revision of accommodation fees.

“The Ministry of Education has noted remarks by Professor Nason Ngoma, former Vice-Chancellor of the Copperbelt University, suggesting that the recent announcement by the Republican President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema adjusting the accommodation allowance for government-sponsored students at the University of Zambia was intended to influence voters ahead of the elections. The Ministry wishes to clarify that this assertion does not reflect the facts surrounding this important student welfare intervention. The decision to adjust the accommodation allowance follows the University of Zambia’s revision of accommodation fees, which increased the financial burden on government-sponsored students. The increase created a gap between the accommodation costs charged by the University and the accommodation allowance payable under the government sponsorship programme,” he said.

“It is important to note that the University revised its accommodation fees well before the commencement of the current academic year. Since then, government-sponsored students have had to meet the difference between the revised accommodation charges and the existing accommodation allowance, creating genuine financial pressure that required government’s attention. Government has been working on this matter for some time as part of its commitment to protecting the welfare of students. The announcement by Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia is therefore a direct response to concerns that have been raised by students and other stakeholders regarding the affordability of accommodation”.

Dr Mambwe said the timing of the announcement coincided with the reopening of the university, when students needed the support most.

“The President appreciates that no student should have their education disrupted or compromised because accommodation has become unaffordable. His decision reflects compassionate and responsive leadership that listens to the concerns of citizens and acts decisively to safeguard access to higher education. The revised accommodation allowance benefits not only government-sponsored students accommodated in University hostels but also those who, due to limited accommodation space on campus, are compelled to seek private accommodation. The objective is to ensure that all eligible students receive adequate support to pursue their studies in a safe, stable and conducive learning environment,” he stated.

“It is therefore inaccurate to characterise this intervention as a political inducement. The timing of the announcement coincided with the reopening of the University because that is when students require the support most. The measure is the culmination of ongoing government efforts to address the financial implications arising from the University’s revision of accommodation fees and to respond to the legitimate welfare needs of students”.

He emphasised that government would continue responding to the legitimate welfare needs of students whenever circumstances require such action.

“The Ministry wishes to emphasise that the government will continue to respond to the legitimate welfare needs of students whenever circumstances require such action. Decisions that safeguard access to education should not be misconstrued as political gestures. They are part of the government’s responsibility to ensure that every deserving Zambian has the opportunity to pursue higher education without avoidable financial barriers. Under the leadership of Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, the New Dawn Government remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding access to higher education, improving student welfare and investing in Zambia’s human capital. Education remains one of the government’s highest priorities, and interventions aimed at protecting the welfare of learners are investments in Zambia’s future, not instruments of political expediency,” said Dr Mambwe.