THE University of Barotseland has called on government to put effort in being a repository of publishing books in schools.

University of Barotseland Chancellor, Professor Kopano Mukelabai says developing a reading culture is an injection to advocating for the development of the province and country at large.

Prof. Mukelabai was speaking in Mongu during the university’s eighth graduation ceremony of 29 students in various faculties on Saturday.

He explained that universities in the country including University of Barotseland need to publish more books, noting that literature is a conduit in fostering development of any society.

Prof. Mukelabai advised the graduates that attaining an education does not entail a white-collar job, but the knowledge achieved can be ploughed into the private sector.

“We are looking forward to the private sector to flourish in order to grow the economy of the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, University Vice Chancellor, Professor Inyambo Mwanawina has called on the graduating students of 2024 to embrace sustainable development of the informal sector in developing the economic future of the country.

Prof. Mwanawina explained the need to relax some of the taxations required for the informal sector to run smoothly.

Gracing the graduation ceremony, Western Province Minister, Kapelwa Mbangweta, in a speech read on his behalf by Assistant Secretary, Allan Simakando, said that government was delighted with the expansion of the school in the community of Mongu.

Mr. Mbangweta noted that government was in the process of enacting a statutory instrument that would create a data bank to make it easy for research in institutions such as universities.

“Government will endeavor to create a favorable environment for the easy access of information to all in the country through an all conclusive data bank,” he said.

Mr Mbangweta pointed that government would continue to level the public and private sector educational institutions to bridge the disparities such as bursaries.