MoE Records Historic 70% Pass at G12 as Free Education Delivers Results

Editorial

For the first time in Zambia's history, the Grade 12 pass rate has crossed the 70 percent threshold. This is a statistical achievement and a vindication of a policy choice that skeptics dismissed as unaffordable populism.

When President Hakainde Hichilema's government introduced free education, critics warned that expanding access would inevitably dilute quality. They argued that classrooms would become overcrowded, teachers overwhelmed, and examination standards compromised. The numbers from the 2025 School Certificate examinations prove otherwise.

Out of 194,069 candidates who sat for examinations, 136,357 obtained school certificates—a pass rate of 70.26 percent. This represents an increase of 2.07 percentage points from the 68.19 percent recorded in 2024. Education Minister Douglas Syakalima noted that this marks the first time Zambia has ever crossed the 70 percent mark for school certificate pass rates.

Even more remarkable is that this improvement comes alongside dramatically increased enrollment. A total of 197,777 candidates registered for the 2025 examinations—an increase of 24,810 students, or 14.35 percent, compared to 2024. The government has managed to expand access while simultaneously improving outcomes, defying the false choice between quantity and quality that critics insisted was inevitable.

The consistent improvement in pass rates over five years—from 63.93 percent in 2020 to 70.26 percent in 2025—demonstrates that this progress is sustainable. It reflects sound policy choices: continued recruitment of teachers, enhanced monitoring of schools, procurement and distribution of desks and educational materials, consistent payment of school grants, and an improved school feeding program that boosts learner attendance.

President Hichilema deserves credit for maintaining commitment to this policy despite fiscal pressures. In a country still recovering from debt default, with competing demands for limited resources, it would have been politically convenient to scale back the education program. Instead, the government doubled down, understanding that investing in education today creates the skilled workforce Zambia needs tomorrow.

This achievement also silences those who suggested that free education would only benefit urban areas or privileged communities. The 52.29 percent female candidature demonstrates that girls are accessing education in unprecedented numbers—a particularly important indicator of equitable policy implementation.

Challenges remain, of course. A 70 percent pass rate means 30 percent still do not obtain certificates. Infrastructure gaps persist. Teacher-to-student ratios remain stretched in many schools. But the trajectory is undeniable: Zambia's education system is improving, and free education is the catalyst.

President Hichilema campaigned on the promise that every Zambian child deserves quality education regardless of their parents' economic circumstances. The 2025 examination results prove that this was not empty rhetoric—it was a commitment backed by policy, resources, and results.

As we celebrate this historic milestone, we must also recognise it as a foundation to build upon, not a destination. The 70 percent threshold is significant, but the goal must be higher still. With continued investment, enhanced teacher training, and sustained political will, there is no reason Zambia cannot aim for 80 percent, then 85 percent, and beyond.

For now, let us acknowledge what has been achieved: a historic breakthrough that validates a bold policy choice and opens doors of opportunity for thousands of young Zambians who might otherwise have been left behind.