President Hichilema receives honorary doctorate from University of Zambia and reflects on the legacy of his alma mater

Nearly 38 years ago, Hakainde Hichilema stood on the grounds of the University of Zambia (UNZA) and proudly received his first degree – a Bachelor of Economics and Business Administration. Today, he returns to the same hallowed grounds, this time to receive an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (Hon. DBA), a recognition that brings back fond memories of his days as a young student.

Recalling that momentous occasion many years ago, President Hichilema recalled the pride he felt when shaking hands with the first Vice-Chancellor and then Vice-Chancellor of Zambia, Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda. He sincerely thanked the University of Zambia for bestowing such an important honour on him, stressing that receiving this award was the starting point of his academic journey and that it had an emotional resonance for him.

The University of Zambia is a historic institution that holds an important place in Zambian and world history. The university has produced four graduates and one lecturer who have gone on to become presidents of their respective countries. Its distinguished alumni include the late President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Hichilema himself. In addition, the late Namibian President Dr. Hage Geingob was also a lecturer at this prestigious institution.

In his acceptance speech, President Hichilema said the honorary doctorate was awarded for the cause of enhancing graduate employability, inclusive development and combating social inequality, unemployment and poverty. He urged the private sector and Zambia university alumni to work with the government to provide quality higher education in Zambia and stressed the importance of public universities adapting to the changing environment to ensure effective governance and continued excellence.

The ceremony was not only a moment of personal reflection for President Hichilema, but also a call to action for the entire country to invest in the future of its youth and the quality of its higher education system.