WITH the demand for continuous improvement in an involving world, Government has reiterated the importance of education and implored officers to acquire academic skills to mordenise the defence forces.
Ministry of Defense Permanent Secretary Norman Chipakupaku emphasised the importance of education yesterday when Zambia Air Force (ZAF) graduated over 50 trained personnel in Five different bachelors programmes which were attained from the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA).
The graduation took place at the Centre of Advanced Learning, ZAF Headquarters in Lusaka where Chipakupaku represented Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma.
“If I didn’t focus on education, I would be a villager in Mumbwa. But I’m PS today because I focused on it,” he said.
Chipakupaku said education is a catalyst of Change and the world’s most powerful equaliser that must not be a privilege for only a few, hence government’s commitment of free education for everyone.
“I urge you to put your education to good use and use it to modernise our three services in the defence. Our role is not just to defend but also to contribute to the country’s development by sharpening our academic skills and help feed the nations too during peace time,” said Chipakupaku.
He said the attained skills will be used to serve the Zambian people and not their fellow defense personnel.
The Permanent Secretary added that when utilised well, their academic qualifications can take them far beyond officers.
“I was also a soldier, but when my friends were drinking…, I was not. I was studying and I’m PS today,” Chipakupaku shared.
He commended the ZAF command for sponsoring 55 officers to attain Bachelors Degrees in Computer Science, Public Relations, Public administration, Records and Archives management, and Law adding that It is a privilege to be fully sponsored by the Air force.
And acting ZAF Commander, Major General Arthur Kalaluka explained that the Force and NIPA signed a memorandum of Understanding in 2020 which allows ZAF fully sponsored officers to graduate as undergraduates at the Centre of Advanced Learning in the stated courses.
The commander said it is important that the skills are put to great use so that the Air Force can fully benefit from the acquired skills, thereby benefiting the country.
“In order to realise the Air force Commander’s vision, which is grounded in effective leadership, welfare, morale and combat readiness to address all threats including hunger, it is essential to build capacity and enhance professionalism through these Programmes,” he said.
“It is widely recognised that effective leadership can only be achieved when personnel obtain professional qualifications.”
He further advised the graduates to uphold the levels of discipline that have facilitated their progress.
“The Zambia Air Force has invested in your professional qualifications and you are required to provide returns in this investment through enhanced service delivery and increased work output,” said Major Gen, Kalaluka.
Meanwhile, NIPA executive director, professor Jacob Malungo said the partnership between the Institution and ZAF is instrumental in equipping the country’s military personnel to address identified gaps and contemporary challenges and alleviate service exellence.
The Prof added that the collaboration also supports National objectives to strengthen public service delivery through enhanced professional training, bolstering institutional capacity and empowering the defence force with necessary skills and knowledge to contribute towards an effective and efficient defense system.
The graduation also saw the awarding of five best students from each course, with the overall best student being a Computer Science graduate, Miyoba Mike.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba November 13, 2024
