> HEA News2 > Press Release > PRESS RELEASE: HEA WARNS PUBLIC AGAINST ILLEGALLY OPERATING INSTITUTIONS – Broken Hill College of Applied Sciences and Education, Chibombo University College, Mafken University, and Serenje University College

PRESS RELEASE: HEA WARNS PUBLIC AGAINST ILLEGALLY OPERATING INSTITUTIONS – Broken Hill College of Applied Sciences and Education, Chibombo University College, Mafken University, and Serenje University College

November 4, 2025 Press Release

Issued on 4th November, 2025
Issued by Mr. Birbal Boniface Musoba
Corporate Communications Officer
Higher Education Authority

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is warning the general public against enrolling in Broken Hill College of Applied Sciences and Education, Chibombo University College, Mafken University, and Serenje University College, as these institutions are operating illegally in Zambia and are not registered under the Higher Education Act, 2013.

Recent inspections conducted by the HEA’s Inspectorate Unit have revealed that the named institutions are offering or advertising higher education services without registration, contrary to Part IV, Section 15 (1) of the Act, which explicitly states that “a person shall not operate a private Higher Education Institution unless the institution is registered under this Act.”

Operating outside the provisions of the law is a serious offence. In accordance with Section 15 (2) of the Act, any person who contravenes this provision is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding one million penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years, or to both.

The findings from the Authority’s inspections are as follows:

  1. Broken Hill College of Applied Sciences and Education – Operating without registration. The institution has been directed to submit an application for registration.
  2. Chibombo University College – Buses bearing the institution’s name have been observed operating in various locations, yet no application for registration has been submitted.
  3. Mafken University – Advertising the provision of health-related programmes in Mufulira without registration or accreditation.
  4. Serenje University College – Operating without registration. The institution has been directed to submit an application for registration.

The Higher Education Authoritystrongly cautions the public not to enrol in these or any other unregistered private institutions. Qualifications obtained from such illegal institutions or from unaccredited learning programmes will not be recognised in Zambia and may affect graduates’ eligibility for employment or further education.

The Inspectorate Unit of the Authority, established under Section 10 of the Higher Education Act, 2013, and empowered under Section 5 to inspect any premises suspected of hosting unregistered higher education activities, will continue to conduct surveillance inspections across the country. Institutions found operating illegally will face prosecution and enforcement measures without hesitation.

The Higher Education Authorityremains unwavering in its commitment to Ensuring Quality in Higher Education. Institutions that operate outside the law undermine public trust and the integrity of Zambia’s higher education sector, and such conduct will not be tolerated.

Members of the public are urged to verify the registration status of any private Higher Education Institution and the accreditation status of learning programmes offered at both private and public institutions before enrolling.

To verify the registration status of private Higher Education Institutions and the accreditation status of learning programmes at both private and public institutions, the public is advised to visit our official website at www.hea.org.zm, email info@hea.org.zm, or call (+260) 976 936 658.

The Higher Education Authority will continue to take decisive action against any institution or individual operating outside the law. Non-compliance will be met with the full force of the law.

Media Files:

  1. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i4zgN6BFi1o
  2. Downloads:

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The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is a grant aided institution established under the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013, to ensure quality of delivery of services by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

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