Published on , 20 Oct, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ZUT CHALLENGES CLASS OF 2026 TO USE TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION TO DRIVE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

16th October 2026, Ndola

The Permanent Secretary - Education Services at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Kelvin Mambwe, has called on higher education institutions to extend quality assurance beyond regulatory compliance by investing in systems, teaching staff and infrastructure that equip graduates with professional competence and industry relevant skills.
Speaking at the 6th Graduation Ceremony held under the theme “Driving Sustainable Business Growth Through Innovation and Technology,” Dr. Mambwe reiterated that the Government of the Republic of Zambia recognizes education as the foundation for human capital development and economic transformation.

He acknowledged the university’s important role in developing the skills required across the technical and business sectors. He further urged the graduating students to embrace lifelong learning and continuous professional development to remain relevant in their respective industries and the ever-evolving world of work.
His Worship the Mayor of Ndola, Cllr. Kennedy Kasaba, was among the senior government officials who attended the 6th graduation ceremony of Zambia University College of Technology (ZUT).

The graduation ceremony was also attended by the Chief Executive Officer of the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB), who witnessed the graduation of one of the Board’s members of staff, Mr Hector Simungala, who graduated with a Merit in Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

The Board, Management and Staff of HELSB congratulate the Class of 2026 on this significant achievement and wish all graduates success as they embark on the next chapter of their professional journeys.
Zambia University College of Technology (ZUT) A/Vice Chancellor, Dr. Betty Shitima Bweupe, has challenged graduates to move beyond seeking employment and use their knowledge, skills and innovation to solve problems, create enterprises and contribute to Zambia’s economic development.

Speaking during the University’s 6th Convocation Graduation Ceremony held at the ZUT Main Campus in Ndola, The A/Vice Chancellor Dr. Betty Shitima Bweupe said ZUT remains committed to developing graduates capable of applying technology to address real-world challenges.

The ceremony was held under the theme “Driving Sustainable Business Growth through Innovation and Technology.”

The A/Vice Chancellor Dr. Betty Shitima Bweupe also highlighted the continued growth of the institution, noting that 712 graduands were celebrated at the 2026 ceremony, compared with 400 graduates at the 5th Graduation Ceremony in 2025.

She emphasised that the theme reflects ZUT’s conviction that technology must serve a purpose beyond itself and should be strategically applied to build resilient enterprises, improve productivity, strengthen industries and contribute to sustainable economic development.

She further noted that ZUT’s mandate aligns with the visionary leadership of the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Grow Zambia Agenda under the stewardship of His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, which require skilled human capital capable of transforming technological concepts into practical solutions.

Through programmes in Information and Communication Technology, Engineering and Business, the University continues to equip students with competencies relevant to industry and national development.
The A/Vice Chancellor, Dr. Betty Shitima Bweupe also highlighted the University’s continued academic growth, including the introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Automation and Control Systems and Bachelor of Digital Marketing.

She said ZUT had continued to record progress in research, innovation, practical training and international competitiveness.

Among the milestones highlighted were the University’s recognition as Second Best Training Service Provider at the 2026 Zambia International Trade Fair and Best Government Exhibit at the 2026 Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show.

The A/Vice Chancellor further highlighted ZUT’s growing strategic partnerships with IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus, the National Remote Sensing Centre, Lusaka Telecoms Solutions, the Zambia Army and VCOM of China, which are helping strengthen the link between academic research and industry application.

In infrastructure development, ZUT completed a 350-seater lecture theatre and undertook upgrades to its campus-wide digital infrastructure. The number of students supported through the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) also increased from 573 in 2025 to 1,071 in 2026.
Addressing the Class of 2026, Dr. Bweupe encouraged the graduates to remain adaptable in an era increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity and automation and to use their education to create value for society.

She said, "Class of 2026, go out there with confidence and humility. Use what you’ve learned to make a difference, solve problems with your ideas, and follow your passion to help the country thrive."
The 6th Graduation Ceremony brought together Government representatives, higher education institutions, industry partners, sponsors, parents, guardians and other stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026.

Issued by:
Emmanuel Musaluka MZIM
Marketing and Business Development Manager
Phone: 0979735461