The University of Zambia (UNZA) through the School of Agricultural Sciences in partnership with the Zambia National Service (ZNS) has honoured top-performing students at the 2023/24 Prize and Award Giving Ceremony held at the Confucius Institute Multipurpose Hall on Friday 19th September 2025. The event celebrated the academic achievements of both graduating and continuing students, with 47 prizes awarded to 26 students.
Speaking at the ceremony Zambia National Service Commander Lieutenant General Malichi Solochi in a speech read on his behalf by Chief of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries for the Zambia National Service (ZNS), Brigadier General Mutandalike Choonga, said agriculture played a critical role not only in food security but also in national development.
Lt. Gen. Solochi's speech emphasised that agriculture is the backbone of Zambia's economy and is central to national food security, job creation, and development. He said ZNS has made significant strides in agriculture, aligning its efforts with the government's vision to make Zambia a regional food basket.
"ZNS is one of the largest producers of maize and wheat in Zambia," he stated, highlighting major operations in Chisamba and Luamfumu. He further detailed ZNS's initiatives in value addition through milling plants, livestock and aquaculture development, and seed multiplication, all aligned with the government's vision to make Zambia a regional food basket.
He urged award recipients to become role models, carrying forward a spirit of innovation, patriotism, and integrity into their professional lives, while encouraging other students to strive for excellence.
And in a speech read on behalf of UNZA Vice Chancellor, Prof Mundia Muya, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Prof Felix Masiye detailed UNZA's progress in enhancing the quality of its academic programmes and research. Prof Muya said the university has launched four new Master of Science programmes in fields like Space Science and Medical Physics, reflecting a drive to equip graduates with advanced, market-oriented skills. “In the School of Agricultural Sciences, there has been a focus on practical training, digital learning, and entrepreneurship courses to produce innovative and adaptable graduates” he said.
He added that the university has also made progress in research and innovation with the establishment of a Research and Innovation Hub and the Integrated Research Information Management System. He indicated that in 2024, UNZA faculty and students produced 893 high-impact publications, many focusing on challenges like climate-smart agriculture and food security. He further revealed that UNZA is resuming construction of stalled student hostels and planning a modern innovation hub to improve student welfare and provide an enabling environment for teaching and research.
Both speakers extended profound gratitude to sponsors, parents, guardians, and university staff for their unwavering support in nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders. The ceremony concluded with a unified call for graduates to serve the nation with honour, discipline, and excellence, contributing to a food-secure and prosperous Zambia.