Make education affordable – don

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 09:29:43 +0000

By AARON CHIYANZO

GOVERNMENT should come up with policies to make education in both public and private universities affordable, accessible and inclusive, says Livingstone International University of Tourism Excellence and Business Management (LIUTEBM) Vice Chancellor Patrick Kalifungwa.

Speaking at the 4th LIUTEBM graduation ceremony in Lusaka on Friday, Prof Kalifungwa said that higher education was a cornerstone for sustainable development in every country.

He pointed out that higher education was a source of new knowledge, taught specific skills and promoted core values such as freedom, tolerance and dignity.

Prof Kalifungwa however said that a defining characteristic of most higher education systems was the large disparities in access and competition, especially by income and wealth.

He warned that the disparity gap risked increasing in the absence of policies and programmes to support qualified students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Prof Kalifungwa disclosed that LIUTEBM was already supporting over 40 students on part and full sponsorship to assist those that were disadvantaged but with the zeal for education.

“LIUTEBM University supports over 40 students on part and full sponsorship to assist those that are disadvantaged and require assistance. It has been observed that higher education is the cornerstone for sustainability of development,” he said.

Prof Kalifungwa advised Government and other stakeholders to develop policies that would ensure higher education was affordable, accessible and inclusive.

He assured that making higher education equitable was the foundation of a sustainable, innovative and equitable society.

Meanwhile, York University of Canada professor of decision sciences, Hassan Qudra-Ullah, said at the same event that having a better education was a universal denominator.

Prof Qudra-Ullah explained that having a better life should include people of all walks of life, including the poor and uneducated.

He pointed out that all people wanted a better life for themselves, their children and the future generations.

Prof Qudra-Ullah advised that people should strive to ensure a balanced life for all and sustainable development of the country.