Opposition lawmaker, Kapyanga, calls for extension of bursaries, meal allowances to private universities

Patriotic Front (PF) Mpika Constituency Member of Parliament, Francis Kapyanga, has called on government to extend bursaries and meal allowances to students attending private universities and colleges in the country.

Kapyanga told Zambia Monitor in Mpika that currently, the government’s bursary and meal allowance programme only cover students attending public universities.

He said this has left out thousands of students attending private institutions.

The lawmaker said the exclusion is unfair, discriminatory and undermines the government’s efforts to promote equal access to education for all.

“Private universities and colleges play a vital role in expanding access to higher education in Zambia adding that many of them offer programs that are not available in public institutions,” Kapyanga said.

He has however, said the high cost of tuition and living expenses makes it difficult for many students to attend such institutions, especially those from low-income families like youths in Mpika.

“By extending bursaries and meal allowances to students attending private universities and colleges, the government would be demonstrating its commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their economic background, have access to quality education. This would help to promote a more equitable and inclusive society and contribute to the development of Zambia’s human capital,” Kapyanga said.

He has urged government to urgently act on the matter in working with private universities and colleges to ensure that the process of accessing bursaries and meal allowances is transparent and fair.

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