The government has commended the University of Zambia for its continued support in providing high-level training in various areas of economic development.
Officiating during the 25th graduation ceremony held at the Defence Services Command and Staff College where 81 local and international officers graduated with diplomas in Defence and Security Studies of the University of Zambia, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Honourable Mike Mposha, who is also Munali Member of Parliament said the role the University of Zambia has continued to play since its inception was commendable and implored the institution to expand its curriculum by introducing more programmes that were responsive to the needs of the industry.
Mr Mposha said the training of the defence command was significant because it would help the officers to use modern knowledge in addressing not only security issues but also developing strategies that would help to promote peace in the country and the region at large.
The Minister said the government was impressed with how the programme has progressed and was hopeful that more countries not only in the southern region but the world over would send their officers to be trained in Zambia.
"As the government, we are impressed to see a good number of foreign students coming from various countries coming for training here in Zambia. This means that the content is right and appropriate to defence and security needs. We can only hope that the knowledge our students have acquired here will help to promote peace and security in their various countries and Africa as a whole," he said.
Mr Mosha further said the government was ready to continue supporting such training initiatives and urged the University of Zambia management to continue refining the curriculum to remain in tandem with the developing trends in defence and security.
Speaking at the same function, the University of Zambia, Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Anne Sikwibele said UNZA was ready to continue contributing to economic development through training. Prof Sikwibele said the University through its 2023-2027 strategic plan has planned to provide outstanding and relevant education, training and research that is responsive to diverse students and communities.
She said the graduation of 81 local and international officers with diplomas in Defence and Security Studies from the University of Zambia was an indication that the institution was on the right path to achieving its strategic direction which is "Repositioning the University into a World-class organisation driven by excellence in teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation with a sound financial position."
"Honourable Minister, the University is focused and desirous to expand its operations to attract more students both locally and internationally. Our vision as espoused in the 2023-2027 strategic plan is to be a renowned University with a global appeal that is driven by pursuit of knowledge, research, innovation, and responsiveness to societal needs," she said.
The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the graduates and implored them to be ambassadors of the university as they take up new roles in their line of duty. She said UNZA was proud to contribute to the country's development and appealed for more and sustained collaboration between UNZA and the Defence Force Command.
The Defence and Security Programme is offered under the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.