An opinion regarding higher institutions of learning in Zambia

Written by Clement Mumba

After secondary school, the natural instinct of most Zambians is to pursue higher education and interestingly, this seems like the priority for all, including those that may pursue other talents other than academic ones. It is therefore no surprise that most Zambians go to colleges, universities and vocational training centres. Prestige, money and grades may play a role in determining the exact institutions learners arrive at. It appears as if the institutions of higher learning, although accredited to offer quality education, shape conversations around the quality of the diploma or degree one may have attained. However, at surface level, any institution of higher if accredited to offer education is worth it. After all, Nelson Mandela reminded us with the saying, “Education is the most powerful tool to change the world.” Maybe, talk about which institution of higher learning one went to may not necessarily be important, but one of prestige and better joked about with friends, who may not easily catch offence, if their alma mater is deemed inferior. It is more like food, it may not be important to state that you eat better food than others, as long as you all eat healthy foods. Though, not everyone can afford to eat healthy foods. Such has been the characterisation of alma mater in the Zambian academic environment. While many are elevated for their prestigious alma mater, others are vilified, mocked and questioned, using the same criteria of “alma mater.” It is no surprise that many conversations in Zambia may be pleasant or distasteful on account of this premise.

More important than the alma mater, is whether a graduate is valuable to the industry. School has sold the idea that it is a springboard from which its learners are catapulted and launched into industries, with adequate knowledge and skills, to be valuable and appreciated in their various fields. This argument has not eased the conversation on the name of the institution one graduated from.

Growing up, the general trend in the academic world was that private schools are better than public ones. The argument was that private schools introduce young learners to more dedicated teachers and offer better lessons using English. Therefore, those in private schools were envied. That might have been true but with time, learners in public schools caught up with those in private schools. The only differences left were technical, not in dedication and language use. Post secondary school, public institutions are more prestigious. That is a contrast to the early years of learners. That is on account of a genuine demand from learners and thereby placing more emphasis on quality education and not profit. Higher education may be the most important phase of learners, because it is usually after this phase that people get jobs, either by being employed or by creating employment. Either way, the topic comes naturally, as though to congratulate you or question your decision. Mostly, it comes in a subtle manner but if you meet familiar people, they may not beat around the bush, but curiously inquire whether you are indeed a true graduate or not. “... so which university did you go to?”

Logically, what may matter more is if one is able to execute oneself in the industry. It is not surprising to hear stories of graduates underperforming despite having come with high expectations on account of having graduated from top universities. Not to say that every big university produces graduates that fail to perform in the industry.

In contrast, some graduates from “small name” universities go on to shock the world. Interestingly, their recruitment might have been a miracle because their alma mater might have stirred debated among recruiters, regardless of impressive grades. The good thing here is that the perceived stereotype about such universities is challenged. Maybe, a better notion to hold is that any accredited institution of higher learning deserves a fair chance to have their graduates respected.

In many instances, the quality of education is tied to the alma mater. It matters which school one attended, maybe more than the grades scored. Interestingly, not much debate is on whether the graduates are of value or not, but it is always on the name and brand of the school. Many are careful to choose what will become their alma mater. Noteworthy of mention is that money and grades, are critical to gaining entry into particular universities. With that said, many that fail to land prestigious institutions, may take pride in the saying, “Education is the most powerful tool to change the world.” The caveat here being that the institution of higher learning must be accredited by the relevant bodies. Talk about the prestige of the alma mater, may be fought with the saying, “What matters is what you graduate with and not which institution you graduate from.”

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An opinion regarding higher institutions of learning in Zambia