THE Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) says it will present a study on current student situation analysis and provide evidence on the current state of students to policymakers on challenges and opportunities in higher education.

ZANEC’s Networking and Information Coordinator Precious Mungambata said this will be done at the Student Academic Freedom Regional Advocacy Conference (SAFRAC) from December 2 to 4, 2024.

In an exclusive interview with ZANIS News, Mrs Mungambata the event will address the current challenges and opportunities in higher learning institutions in Southern Africa.

“We will have a number of students attending. We also expect parliamentarians, representatives from some Ministries, Education Authorities, and other partners,” she said.

She said the conference will also focus on students’ rights and academic freedom in universities and colleges across the region.

Mrs. Mungambata stated that the coalition is hopeful that the conference will produce a communiqué to be handed over to policymakers, ensuring that quality academic freedom in learning institutions is upheld.

She emphasized that students need to understand their academic freedom rights, which come with significant responsibilities.

Mrs. Mungambata added that the conference will attract students and other stakeholders from South Africa, Namibia, Eswatini, Botswana, and Zambia.

University of Zambia (UNZA) student, Jimmy Zonzi, has commended ZANEC for organizing the conference, saying it helps students understand the limits of their academic freedom.

Mr. Zonzi has urged other education stakeholders to emulate ZANEC in their quest to promote academic freedom and quality education in the country.