Responding to the matter, Dr. Mushumba made it clear that HEA does not prescribe a limit restricting lecturers to teaching only one course. What matters, he emphasised, is qualification, workload balance, staff-student ratios and, above all, institutional preparedness.

“When institutions are prepared, quality is protected,” he noted, stressing that compliance is not about arbitrary restrictions but about ensuring that teaching staff are adequate, appropriately qualified and not overburdened.

The interview explored how HEA safeguards quality through accreditation processes, programme audits and enforcement of defined staff-student ratios, standards that apply across both public and private institutions.

This latest engagement with SUN FM Radio and TV marks yet another tangible outcome of the recently held Summer School Media Training Workshop, which was designed to strengthen accurate, informed and contextual reporting on higher education regulation, quality assurance and policy implementation.

In less than two weeks, the Authority has featured across multiple media platforms, signalling a renewed national conversation on higher education governance.

Catch the full interview on SUN FM Radio and TV.

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/

#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia.

Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2^nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 211 227 084 │ info@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm

Dr. Mushumba made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Crown TV, following the station’s participation in and coverage of HEA’s Summer School Media Training Workshop held at Sarovah Hotel in Lusaka last week.

Speaking from his office, Dr. Mushumba emphasised that quality assurance is not an abstract regulatory exercise, but a critical safeguard for students, institutions and national development. He explained how HEA ensures that registered Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)and those under its purview, operate in alignment with minimum standards and Zambia’s broader development agenda.

The interview marks an early and tangible outcome of the Summer School Media Training Workshop, which was designed to strengthen accurate, informed and contextual reporting on higher education regulation, quality assurance and policy implementation.

Since the training, HEA has already recorded a noticeable increase in higher education coverage, with stories emerging from Crown TV, CAMNET TV and other media platforms within this very same week, an encouraging shift in a subsector that, as pointed out by Veteran broadcaster and Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Controller News, Mr. Grevazio Zulu, had seen zero (0) reported stories in the past 30 days and 2 stories in the past 60 days.

Held on 10^th and 11^th February, 2025, the two-day Summer School brought together media sector stakeholders and over 34 journalists from 29 media houses to deepen understanding of higher education governance and the role of the media in shaping informed public discourse.

The growing volume and depth of coverage signal that the conversation around higher education is expanding and that the Authority’s investment in media engagement is already bearing fruit.

Catch the full interview tonight on Crown TV News at 18:30 hours.Read Mr. Zulu’s observations on higher education reporting here: https://hea.org.zm/veteran-journalist-exposes-the-medias-blind-spot-on-higher-education/

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

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Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/

#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia. Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2^nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 211 227 084 │ info@hea.org.zm│ www.hea.org.zm

Led by the Acting Director-General, Ms. Chileshe G. Mwiko, HEA Management and Staff were present at the graveside to offer comfort, prayers, and collective support, affirming that within HEA, loss is shared and compassion is lived.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Authority, Ms. Mwiko conveyed heartfelt condolences to Dr. Mushumba and the Mushumba family, noting that while words may fall short in moments of such profound loss, no one walks this journey alone.

In her remarks, the Acting Director-General reflected on Dr. Mushumba’s professionalism, leadership, and devotion to family, values she said that speak to the strong foundation laid by his late father.

Ms. Mwiko paid tribute to the life of Mr. Nyambe Mushumba, describing him as a man who lived with dignity and purpose, having given 23 years of distinguished service to his country through the military, and leaving behind a legacy rooted in family, service, and values that continue through his children and grandchildren.

As part of the burial proceedings, wreaths were laid by Dr. Mushumba and his family, the Acting Director-General, and the HEA Management and Staff, amongst others, symbolising unity, remembrance, and shared mourning.

The presence of the entire HEA team at the graveside was a powerful testament that beyond professional roles, the Authority remains a family that stands together in moments of sorrow.

May the soul of the late Mr. Nyambe Mushumba rest in eternal peace.

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

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Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/

#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia. Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2^nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 211 227 084 │ info@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm

This call was made by HEA Director – Quality Assurance, Dr. Martin Mushumba, during his keynote presentation at the official opening of the 2^nd National Research and Innovation Symposium being hosted at Garden Court Hotel in Kitwe by the Copperbelt University (CBU) in partnership with the Ministry of Education from 2^nd to 5^th December, 2025.

Dr. Mushumba highlighted that despite Zambia having 11 public universities, 62 private universities and university colleges, and 130 colleges producing thousands of graduates annually, alongside abundant natural resources, the country continues to face entrenched socio-economic challenges.

“How can a nation with expanding higher education infrastructure remain economically stagnant?” he asked. “Our GDP per capita is still around US$1,300, youth unemployment is above 24%, and most institutions produce fewer than 50 internationally recognised publications annually.”

He stressed that Zambia does not lack talent or ambition, but rather, the gap lies in the absence of strong, systematic internal quality assurance systems that can transform universities from ‘credential factories’ into ‘engines of innovation and economic transformation.’

“Quality assurance is not a bureaucratic requirement,” he emphasised. “It is the catalytic infrastructure that converts institutional potential into meaningful impact.”

Dr. Mushumba explained that quality assurance has evolved globally beyond inspections and checklists toward what is known as Transformative Quality Assurance.

“Today, leading systems embrace Transformative Quality Assurance, where quality becomes an internal culture that guides teaching, research, innovation, leadership, and resource allocation,” he said. “Without these systems, innovations remain as theses gathering dust instead of becoming products, patents, or companies.”

Drawing from global benchmarks set by the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), Dr. Mushumba outlined five essential pillars Zambia must strengthen:

1. Academic Standards and Learning Outcomes: HEIs must continuously update curricula to match industry needs and national priorities.

• Research Integrity and Excellence: Strong Research Management Offices, ethical review committees, and reliable research infrastructure are essential for impactful research.

• Innovation Ecosystem Development: Ideas must be supported from classrooms to markets through Technology Transfer Offices, IP policies, incubation hubs, and start-up support.

• Governance, Leadership and Quality Culture: Transparent governance structures, performance-based funding, and a culture of continuous improvement must be prioritised.

• Resourcing and Digital Transformation: Investment in laboratories, digital repositories, high-performance computing, and academic databases such as Scopus and Elsevier must become standard.

In closing, Dr. Mushumba reminded participants that Zambia’s national development is inseparable from the strength of its higher education system.

“The quality of our universities will determine the quality of our national progress,” he said, adding that embracing transformative quality assurance could position Zambia as a regional leader in research and innovation.

“Quality assurance is the architect of excellence,” he concluded. “It is the system that turns universities into engines of national prosperity.”

The Symposium, themed ‘Setting the Agenda for Economic Transformation Through Research and Innovation’, has brought together researchers, policymakers, institutional leaders, and industry players to strengthen Zambia’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Read Dr. Mushumba’s keynote address here: https://hea.org.zm/downloads/

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

The year 2025 has just started for many organisations. As a way of setting the 2025 agenda in motion, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Monday 13^th January, 2025, set up a virtual meeting with all principal officers of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Zambia. This meeting was addressed by the Director-General of HEA, Professor Kazhila Croffat Chinsembu.

While it was clear that the HEIs appreciated such a beginning, the clarity with which Professor Chinsembu spoke and set the goals for 2025 caught the attention of everyone. Calm, eloquent, and yet so assertive was his tone.

After this meeting, a number of those that attended the meeting phoned me appreciating how Professor Chinsembu had quickly settled and established his authority in the higher education subsector. This was heartwarming.

However, there was nothing surprising to those of us that have always known Professor Chinsembu’s passion for the higher education subsector. To many of us from the day, it was clear that he was the one coming to take the HEA top job, we knew that the sector had gotten itself the finest it could get. Like John the Baptist, we had to speak about the greater person who was coming and the need to clear his path.

Walking through this clear path, Professor Chinsembu has not disappointed. He has seamlessly fitted in the institution and the sector as a whole. This is so because he is a true champion of quality education. His unwavering commitment to strict institutional registration and accreditation of learning programmes.

Read the latest Newsletter here: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-newsletter-wed-18th-december-2024/

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Join the conversation @HEAZambia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube using the hashtag #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia, and visit our website, www.hea.org.zm, for ALL the information on higher education in Zambia.

Ambassador Munshya pledged his support for higher education during dinner he had with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Director General Professor Kazhila C. Chinsembu and Director Quality Assurance Dr. Martin Mushumba at Avani Victoria Falls Resort on 28th June, 2024.

The HEA Director General, Professor Chinsembu used this dinner opportunity to discuss the possibilities of attracting support in the higher education subsector from Australia and New Zealand.

Ambassador Munshya observed that both Australia and New Zealand had a lot of outstanding Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that would be willing to expand and establish their base in Zambia. He further indicated that he would work tirelessly to ensure that he facilitated any such university that could want to set up in Zambia.

“I am going to assign my First Secretary in Charge of Education the special role of creating a strong linkage between Zambia’s higher education subsector and that of Australia and New Zealand in order to attract the targeted investments and build strong collaborations that will see increased support to Zambia’s higher education institutions in key areas such as research and development, staff development, and student exchanges,” he said. He also noted that, “there is an urgent need for Zambia to leverage the good relationship that the country shares with Australia and New Zealand to draw support towards the higher education sector.”

Ambassador Munshya appreciated the strides that HEA had made in raising the standards of education in Zambia and offered to facilitate collaboration with similar bodies in Australia and New Zealand in order to facilitate for knowledge exchange.

“The Authority could benefit a lot from their Australian and New Zealand counterparts by learning how they have managed to keep their higher education sector at such a competitive level, which was globally recognised,” the High Commissioner concluded. The HEA could be headed for unprecedented ties with Australia and New Zealand following the Higher Commissioner’s pledge. The development would benefit the higher education sector to gain global competitiveness and recognition.

Join the conversation @HEAZambia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube using the hashtag #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia, and visit our website, www.hea.org.zm, for ALL the information on higher education in Zambia.

I write to you today to extend my heartfelt assurance and encouragement to the entire higher education subsector in Zambia amidst the challenges and changes that the educational landscape is currently facing.

We understand that the introduction of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is a new development aimed at enhancing and reviving education in our nation. As with any new body, it takes time to establish solid footing and efficiently address all concerns. However, it is important for us to recognise the spirited efforts that HEA is undertaking to support and uplift the higher education subsector.

We acknowledge the dedication and commitment of HEA in improving and refining the educational landscape in Zambia. We understand that the Authority is still on its journey of growth and development, actively working towards providing a conducive environment for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and students alike. This is a process we are determined to deliver. It is not going to be easy, but again it is not impossible with the unwavering support of the New Dawn Administration towards education. Besides, with the commitment of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, towards furthering education in Zambia, the room for failure among education administrators such as HEA is narrower.

Therefore, in these times of transition, it is essential that all stakeholders join hands and extend their support to HEA. Together, we can contribute towards shaping a brighter future for higher education in Zambia. Let us remember that change takes time, and it is through collective efforts, collaboration, and constructive feedback that we can assist HEA in achieving its goals.

To all HEIs, faculties, administrators, lecturers, and students, remain steadfast in your commitment to education. Your resilience and adaptability will navigate through any challenges that come your way. As we strive for excellence, let us be patient and trust in HEA’s continuous efforts to create an enabling environment for growth and improvement.

In conclusion, I want to affirm that brighter days are ahead for the higher education subsector in Zambia. Let us rally behind HEA, providing them with our unwavering support and encouragement. Together, we can revitalise and elevate education in Zambia, paving the way for a promising future.

Stay strong, stay determined, and keep inspiring.

Warm regards,

Dr. Martin Mushumba

Acting Director-General

Higher Education Authority

Join the conversation @HEAZambia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube using the hashtag #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia, and visit our website, www.hea.org.zm, for ALL the information on higher education in Zambia.

The institutional meeting was held both physically and virtually to allow for members of Management and Staff that were working away from the office to log in virtually and attend the meeting.

The meeting was held on 29^th September, 2023.

Below are some images from the meeting.

You can view all the images from the event at www.hea.org.zm/heazambia.

Leave us a comment when you spot yourself and tag your institution in your image.

Dr. Mushumba, who is the Director – Quality Assurance, will be Acting Director-General from 25^th September – 29^th December, 2023, as Prof. Stephen Simukanga, the Director-General, proceeds on his annual leave.

Dr. Mushumba previously worked as Senior Programme Accreditation Officer at HEA. He joined the organisation in 2018.

Speaking of his appointment, HEA Director-General, Prof. Stephen Simukanga, said that the appointment of Dr. Mushumba as Director – Quality Assurance was well-deserved and earned.

“Dr. Mushumba has been with the Authority for a long time and, as such, he brings to the role of Director – Quality Assurance an already in-built knowledge of quality assurance in higher education and of HEA as an organisation,” Prof. Simukanga said.

The Director-General added that Dr. Mushumba further brings a wealth of experience having acted as Manager – Programme Accreditation on a number of occasions. He added that this wealth of experience will add to the national development of quality assurance and guarantee that the Authority will continue “Ensuring Quality in Higher Education.”

And, when commenting on his appointment, Dr. Mushumba expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Board of the Authority and the Interview Committee that was hired to recruit the Director – Quality Assurance, for believing in his ability and according him this chance for advancement.

“I want to assure the Board of the Authority that I am committed to working diligently and ethically in order to justify the trust that has been placed in me,” Dr. Mushumba said, adding, “throughout my years of service at HEA, I have had the privilege of witnessing the dedication, professionalism, and closeness that permeates in our team. I have learned valuable lessons from my colleagues and superiors, and I am ready to apply this knowledge to my new role.”

Dr. Mushumba further stated that he was particularly excited about the increased responsibilities and challenges that accompany his appointment.

“I firmly believe in the importance of education and the positive impact (that) we can make on the lives of our people through fostering quality higher education,” he said.

The new Director – Quality Assurance concluded by stating that he was eager to contribute his skills, knowledge, and innovative ideas to further the goals and objectives of HEA and serve the higher education subsector with utmost dedication.

Dr. Mushumba has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education with Specialisation in Policy Studies and Quality Assurance in Higher Education.

HEA wishes Dr. Mushumba the best of luck and the greatest success in his new role as Director – Quality Assurance.