Issued by Mr. Birbal Boniface Musoba
Corporate Communications Officer
Higher Education Authority

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has issued a firm directive to Mpika College of Education to immediately stop teaching students who do not possess the mandatory five (5) O-Level credits or better. Additionally, the institution is required to submit a comprehensive compliance report to the Authority within 14 days.

This decision follows an inspection conducted on 29^th January, 2025, at Mpika College of Education, a registered private Higher Education Institution (HEI) with Registration No.: HEA/139. The inspection revealed gross violations of the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2021, as the institution had enrolled students who failed to meet the minimum academic entry requirements mandated by law.

Accordingly, the Authority has directed Mpika College of Education to implement the following measures without exception:

1. All first-year students who were enrolled without meeting the minimum entry requirements must immediately cease attending classes and will not be permitted to continue their studies until they obtain a full Grade 12 Certificate with at least five (5) O-Level credits or better.
2. All second-year students who do not meet the minimum entry requirements must immediately cease learning and will not be allowed to progress to third year unless they obtain a full Grade 12 Certificate with at least five (5) O-Level credits or better.
3. Second- and third-year students who do not possess a full Grade 12 Certificate with a minimum of five (5) O-Level credits or better are strictly prohibited from proceeding to teaching practice.

The Higher Education Authority unequivocally warns all Higher Education Institutions that enrolling students without the prescribed minimum entry qualifications is a direct violation of the Higher Education Act, 2013, as read with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2021. Institutions found in breach of these provisions will face severe regulatory action, including possible deregistration and further legal consequences.

The Higher Education Authority remains resolute in enforcing quality standards in higher education. Institutions that fail to adhere to the stipulated regulations will face the full weight of the law. Non-compliance will not be tolerated, and the Authority will take all necessary measures to safeguard the credibility of Zambia’s higher education sector.

Members of the public are strongly advised to verify that any Higher Education Institution they wish to enrol in is duly registered with the Authority and that their chosen programme meets all accreditation and entry requirements. For verification, visit www.hea.org.zm, email info@hea.org.zm, or call (+260) 950 470 444.

The Higher Education Authority will not hesitate to take decisive enforcement action against any institution that compromises the quality and integrity of higher education in Zambia. Institutions must comply with the law, or face the consequences.

Downloads:

1. PDF copy of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-press-release-pdf_mpika-college-of-education-ordered-to-cease-teaching-students-without-required-entry-qualifications-21-02-25/
2. MP3 audio of the of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-press-release-mp3_mpika-college-of-education-ordered-to-cease-teaching-students-without-required-entry-qualifications/

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