SIMON MUNTEMBA writes
THE scrapping-off of meal allowances at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and the Copperbelt University (CBU) is a good move as it will allow for the extending of the student loan to other public universities, the National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia (NUPPEZ) has said.
In an interview, NUPPEZ national secretary, Nelson Mwale has told the Sun that his organization feels the move will enable other people access bursaries.
Last week, Minister of Higher Education, Nkandu Luo announced that government had scrapped off the meal allowances for the two institutions adding that instead, government would use the resources to add more public universities to the loan scheme.
Professor Luo said students entering their first year in 2019 would be the first to access student loans under the new system.
Mr Mwale welcomed the move saying would allow for the extending of the student loan to other public universities.
“There are a lot of students in private and other public universities who do not receive meal allowances but are able to survive. So the move by government is welcomed because a lot of venerable students will benefit on the loan scheme.
“And we are calling on students at UNZA and CBU to adapt and accept the new development for the sake of other students from the universities in Zambia,” Mr Mwale said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mwale has praised government for extending the bursary scheme to other public universities.
