By Cecilia Chiluba 
Higher Education Authority (HEA) has disclosed that four institutions are illegally operating as Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country.
The Authority has since warned the public against enrolling in Chankanondo University, Oasis Medical University College, Yesbud University, and ZIDS College, as the four institutions are not registered under the Higher Education Act, 2013.
Authority Corporate Communications Officer Birbal Musoba revealed that recent surveillance inspections conducted in Lusaka, Central and Copperbelt Provinces, through the HEA’s Inspectorate Unit found that the named institutions are offering higher education services without registration.
Mr. Musoba said this is in contravention of Part IV, Section 15 (1) of the Act, which clearly states that a person shall not operate a private Higher Education Institution (HEI) unless the private Higher Education Institution is registered under this Act.
“Operating outside of this legal framework is a serious offence. In accordance with Section 15 (2) of the Act, violators are liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding one million penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years, or to both.”
“The illegally operating institutions and their locations include Chankanondo, University and Yesbud University in Lusaka, as well as Oasis Medical University College and ZIDS College in Kapiri Mposhi dstrict, Central Province,” Mr. Musoba stated.
He advised the public not to enrol in the four institutions or any other unregistered private institutions.
Mr. Musoba emphasized that qualifications obtained from unregistered institutions and unaccredited learning programmes will not be recognized in Zambia, thereby affecting graduates’ eligibility for employment and further studies.
“The Inspectorate Unit of the Authority was established under Section 10 of the Act to enforce compliance and ensure quality in higher education. This unit is empowered to carry out inspections without prior notice on any premises suspected of hosting unregistered institutions, as stipulated in Section 5 of the Act.”
“The Higher Education Authority remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring quality in Higher Education and remains committed to protecting students and ensuring that higher education in Zambia meets the highest standards of legality and quality,” he said.
Mr. Musoba warned that institutions that violate the law will be held accountable, and appropriate enforcement measures will be applied without hesitation.
“The Higher Education Authority will take decisive action against any institution that undermines the standards and credibility of Zambia’s higher education sector. Non-compliance will not be tolerated,” Mr. Musoba said.
Joseph Tembo