President Hichilema awarded Honorary Doctorate by Alma Mater

38 years after receiving his first degree President Hakainde Hichilema returned to the University of Zambia (UNZA) to accept an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration (Hon. D.B.A.).

The ceremony, held in the same square where he graduated with a BA in Economics and Business Administration, stirred deep memories for the President. He recalled with pride shaking hands with the country’s first president and then-Chancellor Dr Kenneth Kaunda during his initial graduation.

President Hichilema expressed heartfelt gratitude to UNZA for the honour, emphasising the emotional significance of receiving this award where his academic journey began.

In its history UNZA has produced four graduates and one lecturer who became presidents of their respective nations: the late President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and President Hichilema himself. The late Namibian President, Dr Hage Geingob, once lectured at the university.

The President said he dedicated his award to “advancing graduate employability, inclusive development, and the eradication of social inequalities, unemployment, and poverty.”

He also appealed to the private sector and the university’s alumni to “partner with the government in delivering quality higher education in Zambia.”

The President stressed the importance of public universities adapting to changing circumstances to ensure effective governance and continued excellence.

The ceremony served not only as a moment of personal reflection for President Hichilema but also as a rallying cry for the nation to invest in its youth and higher education system.