HEA ORDERS NATIONAL STUDENT DATABASE TO STRENGTHEN WORKFORCE PLANNING

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Posted by admin on March 26, 2026 at 5:12 AM

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The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has announced that all students in Zambia’s higher education institutions will now be registered in a centralised national database, a move aimed at improving record-keeping, planning, and aligning education with the country’s labour market needs.

HEA director-general Prof. Kazhila Chinsembu made the announcement during a virtual meeting attended by senior officials from more than 65 institutions, including vice-chancellors, registrars, and deans of students.

“Under the Higher Education (Amendment) Act of 2021, every student will be assigned an index number, eliminating ghost students and ensuring records remain secure and transferable even if institutions close or lose registration.” He said.

Prof. Chinsembu explained that the database will not only serve as a record-keeping tool but also as a national planning resource.

By capturing enrolment trends across disciplines, Zambia will be able to measure whether it is producing the right number of graduates in critical fields.

He highlighted current skills imbalances, such as an oversupply of medical doctors and a shortage of tradespeople like plumbers.

Higher education institutions have been directed to submit complete and accurate student data by April 30, 2026, with failure to comply attracting sanctions. Timely reporting is now a statutory requirement for regulation, quality assurance, and workforce planning.

Prof. Chinsembu said the initiative represents a step toward a data-driven higher education system that supports effective human resource planning and strengthens Zambia’s 24/7 economy