The Copperbelt University Students Union(COBUSU) President, Loyd Nsonga has described the newly introduced online digital system for student loan applications and screening by Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) as profound and progressive.
Mr. Nsonga said the shift from physical to digital online screening would allow students to avoid spending several days in long queues for screening, noting that many delays occur when the process is conducted physically.
In an interview with Lusaka Star, Mr. Nsonga added that with the introduction of the online or digital screening system, students now have the convenience of completing the process in their own space and time, instead of enduring long and frustrating queues.
“This development is especially important for higher learning institutions such as the Copperbelt University (CBU) and the University of Zambia (UNZA), which have some of the largest student populations,” he stated.
“Continuing with physical screening would make the process difficult and tedious for students to complete all the procedures prescribed by HELSB in order to qualify for bursaries.”
Mr. Nsonga, however, said the online system may come with a few challenges, particularly the lack of face to face interaction, as some students may find it difficult to seek clarification in person about certain procedures.
“However, with time, we will adapt to this newly introduced system, which is indeed a step in the right direction. As a nation, we are embracing the digital era and becoming more aligned with technological advancements,” he said.
“We can only grow as a nation if we respect and utilize digital platforms and take an active interest in using the technology provided.”
Mr. Nsonga urged HELSB to increase sensitization among students on how to navigate the online system in order to minimize errors during the screening process.
“Overall, we are very delighted and encouraged by this improvement. Students will now spend less time in queues and more time attending classes. That, in itself, is a great achievement,” he emphasised.