LIVE President Hakainde Hichilema Meets Students at State House

The grounds of State House in Lusaka played host to a vibrant gathering of tertiary education students as President Hakainde Hichilema engaged in a direct dialogue session with young scholars from various higher learning institutions. The interactive meeting provided a platform for students to voice pressing concerns regarding campus life, academic infrastructure, and professional development opportunities. Such engagements have become a hallmark of the current administration's approach to youth and student relations, bridging the gap between high office and the country's future intellectual capital. During the robust exchange, student representatives highlighted perennial challenges affecting learning institutions across the nation, notably accommodation shortages, laboratory equipment updates, and the timely disbursement of student support funds. President Hichilema listened intently to the submissions, acknowledging that a thriving higher education sector is non-negotiable for Zambia's socio-economic transformation. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to resolving accommodation bottlenecks by accelerating the completion of stalled institutional hostel projects and improving campus infrastructure. The Head of State further emphasized the critical nexus between education and national productivity, pointing to ongoing curriculum reviews designed to align academic outputs with industry demands. By fostering stronger partnerships between universities, colleges, and the private sector, the administration aims to enhance graduate employability and spur technological and entrepreneurial innovation. President Hichilema underscored that investment in human capital remains the most reliable catalyst for sustainable national development and poverty reduction. Students expressed appreciation for the open-door policy demonstrated by the presidency, noting that direct consultations foster mutual trust and accountability. Many participants praised recent policy adjustme