Settle outstanding debts owed UNZA lecturers, group tasks govt

The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has called on the Government of the Republic of Zambia to immediately settle outstanding fees owed to the University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers’ Union.

AIPAC Executive Director, Solomon Ngoma, said the arrears had created significant financial strain on lecturers and researchers.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Ngoma stated that the unpaid obligations were undermining the welfare of UNZALARU members and threatening the delivery of quality higher education at the University of Zambia.

He emphasized that education and research were the backbone of national development and warned that failure to honor obligations risked eroding trust and weakening academic institutions.

“Education and research are the backbone of national development. UNZALARU members have continued to serve with dedication and professionalism despite mounting challenges,” Ngoma said.

He stated that it was imperative that the Government reciprocated by meeting its financial commitments without delay.

Ngoma expressed concern over the recent confirmation by the University of Zambia Vice Chancellor regarding the arrears, saying it was a clear indication that UNZA required new leadership and management.

“Furthermore, the Ministry of Education has failed to provide the decisive intervention expected in addressing UNZA’s longstanding challenges,” he said.

Ngoma said the failure was particularly disappointing given that the current Permanent Secretary hailed from UNZA and was well aware of the institution’s problems.

“Timely settlement of these obligations is not only a matter of financial accountability but also a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to fostering stability, trust, and progress in the education sector,” he said.

Ngoma said the arrears must be cleared to restore confidence in public institutions and to ensure that lecturers and researchers could continue to contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s development agenda.

UNZALARU recently issued a demand to the government to settle terminal benefits owed to University of Zambia employees amounting to over K1.3billion.

Union President, Andrew Phiri, expressed profound disappointment and growing concern over the continued delay by government.

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