President Hichilema Announces Public University for Western Province

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced plans to establish a public university in Western Province, calling it a significant step towards expanding access to higher education and addressing long-standing regional inequalities.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Litunga, Lubosi Imwiko II, at Limulunga Palace, the President said his administration would accelerate economic growth across the province through a focused investment in education and infrastructure.

President Hichilema outlined a broad education package already underway, including free education, teacher recruitment, expanded classroom infrastructure, school feeding programmes and the removal of examination fees. The proposed university, he said, would build on these foundations and open new opportunities for students across Barotseland.

On infrastructure, the President highlighted priority projects such as the Luanginga Bridge, alongside wider efforts to upgrade road networks and unlock the region's economic potential. He stressed the importance of closer collaboration between a central government and traditional leadership, particularly in resolving land tenure issues to attract investment and drive regional development.

The announcement comes as the Barotse Royal Establishment voiced concern over the province's persistent education challenges. Western Province has ranked last nationally in education performance for more than five years, a position the BRE attributes to a shortage of boarding schools, inadequate learning facilities and the long distances rural learners must travel to reach classrooms.

BRE Prime Minister Manyando Mukela said the situation continues to worsen, urging swift action to ensure pupils in remote areas can access the quality education they deserve.