Prof Luo tells Evelyn Hone not to compromise on standards
By Staff Reporter
HIGHER education minister Professor Nkandu Luo says the need for higher education should match the demand for quality graduates.
In a speech at Evelyn Hone College’s 51st graduation ceremony in Lusaka yesterday, Prof Luo, who was represented by Ministry of Higher Education director of planning Succeed Mubanga during graduation ceremony of 1,723 students, cautioned the college management against compromising on quality of its services in its quest to become a university college.
She indicated also that the government would not support curricular programmes that had no direct impact on the economy.
“The country is developing and therefore the need for higher human capital needs is also going high. Your strategic plan is focused towards contributing to the Seventh National Development Plan…. However, I must also caution you that quality in your quest to become a university college cannot be compromised. Ensure that a well qualified and experienced human capital base is put in place so that you can hit the ground running,” Prof Luo said.
She added that it was “a well known fact” that Evelyn Hone College was one of the change agent colleges that was spearheading the 21 century knowledge and skills in accordance with that national standards.
“Higher learning institutions are therefore encouraged to provide content knowledge and skills and attitudes which are meaningful,” she observed.
“The government is aware that the number of students has dramatically increased over the years. [But] the hostels under construction have taken long to complete. 2015 when the project started is a long time and clearly, I can see that the state of the incompleteness is not only adding anxiety to our students but also creating an unsightly image on the institution. I can promise you that the government is in the process of ensuring that all unfinished projects are completed, including these hostels.”
And college principal Daniel Fwambo said it was gratifying to see a number of “world-class universities from both within the continent of Africa and abroad who have shown interest in partnering with us to offer degree programmes in various fields.”
“….we are ready for higher challenges, except we are cautious to first learn good practices before we can stand on our own feet,” noted Fwambo.
Evelyn Hone College Management Board chairperson Professor Fastone Goma was also in attendance at the graduation themed: creating opportunities and transforming lives through innovation, external collaboration and enhanced quality training.
