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The University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers’ Union (UNZALARU) has formally declared a vote of no confidence in the Vice-Chancellor, University Management, Senate, and University Council over the handling of the 2025/2026 Academic Calendar.
The union said its action targeted the manner in which the University leadership had handled the Mid-year Examinations and Term II Sessional Dates, citing disruptions to teaching and learning.
UNZALARU announced the decision in Lusaka on Wednesday through a press statement signed by Union President, Professor Andrew Phiri and his General Secretary, Dominic Liche.
From the beginning of water and sanitation rehabilitation works, UNZALARU said it cautioned against rushed decisions and called for a realistic academic calendar to minimise disruption.
“We cautioned against rushed decisions and called for a realistic academic calendar that would minimise disruption to teaching and learning. Unfortunately, those concerns were ignored,” Phiri said.
He noted that the University community instead witnessed repeated changes to the Mid-year Examination timetable, conflicting communications, and the indefinite postponement of examinations.
“In our view, Senate has failed in its responsibility to provide sound academic governance and has consequently lost the confidence of the academic staff it serves,” Phiri stated.
The union accused the Vice-Chancellor, as Chairperson of Senate, of poor leadership and remaining adamant and unresponsive to concerns consistently raised by the union and advice from other stakeholders.
Phiri also demanded an unreserved apology from the Vice-Chancellor, University Management, and Senate to students, staff, and the entire University community for the haphazard handling of the matter, inconsistent decision-making, and poor communication.
He called on the entire Senate to step down in the interest of restoring confidence in the university’s academic governance.
Phiri also expressed disappointment with the University Council for failing to effectively discharge its statutory governance and oversight responsibilities under Section 25 of the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013.
He noted that as the body responsible for governance, control and administration of the university, Council could not escape responsibility for governance failures that occurred under its watch.
Phiri reiterated UNZALARU’s concern over continued implementation of online and blended learning without adequate institutional support.
“Management must also meet the costs incurred by students who have been left stranded on campus after travelling in reliance on its earlier communication,” he stated.
Phiri said academic staff continued to face challenges relating to ICT equipment, internet connectivity and inadequate internet allowances, while students bore additional costs never planned for when they enrolled for face-to-face learning.
He urged the University leadership to embrace consistency in decision-making, timely and transparent communication, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and accountable governance.
“The University community deserves leadership that inspires confidence and places the interests of the institution above all else,” Phiri emphasized.
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