TEACHER DEFICIT STILL HIGH AS GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES 2,000 RECRUITMENT DRIVE — SIYAKALIMA HINTS AT 30,000 MORE BY 2027
The Minister of Education, Douglas Siyakalima, has announced a new teacher recruitment exercise aimed at addressing the country’s growing education challenges, as learner enrollment continues to rise at both primary and secondary levels.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister noted that increased enrollment has placed significant pressure on existing education infrastructure and teaching personnel, making recruitment not just an administrative process but a strategic investment in the delivery of quality education.
Mr. Siyakalima revealed that Zambia is currently facing a teacher deficit of over 146,000, with pupil-teacher ratios remaining above recommended standards, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
He states that the recruitment of 2,000 teachers for 2025 will help ease the burden by improving staffing levels, decongesting classrooms, and strengthening critical subject areas such as science, mathematics, and ICT.
The Minister further emphasized that the recruitment process, to be coordinated by the Teaching Services Commission in line with public service procedures, will prioritize equity, transparency, and inclusivity, with 10 percent of positions reserved for persons with disabilities.
Looking ahead, Mr. Siyakalima disclosed that government remains optimistic about expanding recruitment efforts, indicating that if the current economic trajectory is sustained, more than 30,000 additional teachers will be recruited by 2027 to further bridge the staffing gap and improve the quality of education across the country.
He has warned that those in the habit of refusing rural areas when posted will disqualify themselves.
And the Commission says they are not using the old database but inviting new applicants discarding the 2023 database.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
