HEA and ZPS Strengthen Collaboration in Enforcing Higher Education Acts
The Zambia Police Service and Higher Education Authority (HEA) have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the integrity of the country’s higher education sector by collaborating in the enforcement of the Higher Education Act, 2013, as read with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2024.
This came to light when HEA Director-General, Kazhila C. Chinsembu, and his delegation paid a Courtesy Call on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Graphel Musamba, on 29th January, 2025, at Police Service Headquarters in Lusaka.
Mr. Musamba said there is need to address challenges such as the proliferation of illegal institutions, fraudulent qualifications, and other academic malpractices in the nation.
He said the Zambia Police Service is committed in supporting the HEA by enforcing the Higher Education Acts.
“This legislation is crucial in ensuring that institutions of higher learning operate within the law, uphold standards of excellence, and protect students from exploitation,” Mr. Musamba said this in a speech delivered on his behalf by Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Kaunda Mubanga.
Mr. Musamba also stressed that the joint effort reflects a shared commitment in ensuring that Zambia’s higher education sector thrives in an environment of law, order, and integrity.
Mr. Musamba further assured the Higher Education Authority that the Zambia Police Service will provide the necessary support to ensure those who seek to undermine the education system are held accountable.
Meanwhile, the HEA Director-General said the purpose of the visit was to introduce themselves to the Inspector General of Police and seek support in enforcing the Higher Education Act, 2013, as read with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2024.
Professor Chinsembu said the enforcement of the Act has been difficult without the support of the state police which he attributed to the rise in illegal higher learning institutions that do not meet the minimum required standards.
“We believe that higher education is the best economic policy for our country, and without higher education, we cannot have the skilled person to develop our country, if these skills are produced by higher education institutions that are not credible, higher education institutions that are fake, then we will not produce the correct skills to develop our country” Professor Chinsembu said.
In addition, the Professor called for the support in enforcing the Higher Education Act, 2013, as read with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2024, with the broader knowledge that will not only benefit the Authority or the Police Service, but broader economic benefits to the economy of the nation.
The collaboration marks a significant step towards protecting the integrity of Zambia’s education system and safeguarding students from fraudulent practices.
