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Pricua Defends Gideon Robert University against unfounded allegations by RDAZ

The Private Colleges and Universities Alliance (PRICUA) wishes to categorically refute and express our concern over the recent public attacks and legal action initiated by the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) against one of our esteemed member institutions, Gideon Robert University (GRU). The allegations of "substandard training" of medical doctors at GRU are not only unsubstantiated but also a direct affront to the integrity of regulatory oversight provided by competent experts from Higher Education Authority and other regulators in Zambia before a program is registered and accredited.

RDAZ must be reminded that due process under Zambia's higher education and health professions qualifications framework demand high level quality assurance by institutional of Higher learning applying for accreditation to which GRU met the criterial for accreditation. Gideon Robert University is duly registered and accredited under the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and operates within the legal and professional guidelines set forth by the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ).

As such, any claims regarding academic or professional misconduct should be channeled through these competent authorities, who are legally and statutorily mandated to regulate, evaluate, and ensure quality in higher education and health training institutions. We are disappointed that RDAZ has chosen to act outside of the established consultative and regulatory mechanisms and instead opted for public sensationalism and legal confrontation. This undermines stakeholder dialogue, institutional collaboration, and the spirit of professionalism expected within Zambia's health and education sectors.

PRICUA reaffirms its full confidence in Gideon Robert University’s medical training programs, which are continually reviewed and benchmarked to meet national standards. We also reaffirm our support for all independent institutions who, despite limited resources, have demonstrated a commitment to advancing access to quality medical education in Zambia and across Africa. We urge RDAZ to cease its disruptive actions and instead engage in constructive dialogue with HEA, HPCZ, and relevant stakeholders.

The path to resolving concerns is through inclusive consultation, transparent evaluation, and evidence-based recommendations not litigation and media misrepresentation. The institution as a service provider has everything it takes to produce competent and qualified medical personnel with both internal and external quality assurance process in place We stand with Gideon Robert University. We stand for fair, fact-based discourse. We stand for progress in education.

Dr. Lackson Banda SECRETARY GENERAL - PRICUA

PRICUA COMMENDS HEA FOR PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONAL AUDIT

Private Colleges and Universities Alliance (PRICUA) wish to commend the Higher Education Authority for conducting audit in 9 Colleges and Universities and make recommendation aimed at working on identified gaps.

The incidental audits will improve delivery of education in the audited Higher Education Institutions and this is how HEA should work as a quality assurance institution. The three directive by the Authority to audited Higher Education Institutions should be taken as reminder to members of PRICUA who have not been audited yet and must starting working on similar gaps.

It’s time that Colleges and Universities only enrol students meeting entry requirements to avoid wasting students time and resources, PRICUA will soon hold a workshop on quality assurance with member institutions and we call upon Private Colleges and Universities to join PRICUA and create a strong and united voice in Higher Education.

Issued By Professor Charles Mwape

ALLIANCE PRESIDENT

Issued On 28th November, 2024

Press statement Commending President Hakainde stance on Article 52 as an ancient clause that need urgent attention

Private Colleges and Universities Alliance (PRICUA) wish to commend the President for highlighting gaps in the Constitution and its effect to democratic governance. Zambians must not politize President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s call to amend lacunas in the constitution but commend the President for been a citizen and a believer in the rule and law that enriches democracy.

PRICUA wish to call for level headed and patriotic debates over President HICHILEMA’s call on constitutional amendments as it is timely and must be supported by all forward thinking Zambians. PRICUA is sad that an honest call has been misunderstood by Politicians by claiming that the President desires to extend his Presidential Term of Office beyond five years which was not the President intention. It’s time for the President appoint a technical committee of 3 members to look at lacunas in Article 52 sub-article six of the Constitution and other gaps, the committee should review all recommendations from the following Commissions,

1. Mwanakatwe Constitution Review Commission

2. Mvunga Constitution Review Commission

3. Chona Constitution Review Commission

4. Mung’omba Constitution Review Commission

5. National Constitution Conference

6. The Technical Committee on the Constitution

7. Bill 10

PRICUA support President HICHILEMA call as he has demonstrated leadership, patriotism by highlighting the gaps in article 52 (6) of the Republican Constitution of Zambia. Yours Faith Fully

Professor Charles Mwape

ALLIANCE PRESIDENT

Issued to Sunday 22nd September 2024