The University of Zambia (UNZA) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Zambia Information and Communication Technology (ZICT) College in Ndola to undertake teaching, research and consultancy in electrical and electronics engineering and other ICT fields of study.
Speaking at the event,Vice-Chancellor Professor Luke Mumba said UNZA was ready to train all teaching staff at ICT College from Masters to PhD level in ICT, Electrical and Electronic engineering.
He said the demand for engineering programs was high and that he was hopeful that the launch of engineering programs at Zambia ICT College supported by UNZA was going to help cushion the demand.
He also emphasized on the importance of good infrastructure for teaching and learning and expressed gratitude to Smart Zambia, Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) and other co-operating partners who helped establish a Center of Excellence at the Zambia ICT College.
Meanwhile, Zambia ICT College Executive Director, Ms Betty Bweupe acknowledged that the partnership with UNZA which started early this year with the Bachelor of ICT in Education under the School of Education has helped to reposition the College as a National Centre of Excellence in ICT training.
Also present at the signing ceremony was the Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Dr Martin Mtonga who said that Government had decided to commercialize the Zambia ICT College.
He said that while the college will remain a Government entity, it will fall under the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
”Government recognized the role that ICTs plays in accelerating the socio-economic development of the country, therefore, it will support the collaboration between UNZA and Zambia ICT College,” he said.