The Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima, recently announced significant support from President Hakainde Hichilema for the University of Zambia (UNZA), alongside major improvements in the institution's financial management. Speaking during the announcement of the 2021 Grade 12 examination results, Minister Syakalima revealed that President Hichilema has donated three industrial boreholes to UNZA. Furthermore, the President, a UNZA alumnus who graduated in 1986 with a degree in Economics and Business Administration and resided in Tiyende Pamodzi (TP) block 5, room 11, has also pledged to renovate the specific hostel block he once occupied. The Minister confirmed that quotations for this renovation have already been sent to State House, indicating preparations are underway.

Beyond these direct contributions, Minister Syakalima highlighted a remarkable turnaround in the timely disbursement of government grants to public universities. He emphasized that, for the first time in a decade, UNZA's monthly grant was released before the 25th of December. This is a stark contrast to the previous ten years, during which December was typically marked by protests over unpaid salaries at UNZA. Syakalima pointed out that last month, UNZA received two grants covering November and December, enabling staff to celebrate Christmas with their salaries—a situation unheard of in the preceding decade.

Since President Hakainde Hichilema assumed office, the Minister asserted that UNZA has consistently received its monthly payments on schedule, effectively eliminating the long-standing issue of salary complaints. This timely release of funds has been widely lauded by management across public universities. The acting Vice-Chancellor of Copperbelt University, for instance, reportedly expressed shock and appreciation for the consistent and early receipt of grants, a departure from past practices. Minister Syakalima concluded by urging UNZA to remain patient, reassuring them that his ministry is committed to resolving the various legacy challenges that the University has faced for many years.