Educate. Heal. Serve.

Queens Gate College opens to train Zambia’s next generation of healthcare heroes

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Chibombo, Zambia24 - (06-06-2025) - Queen’s Gate College of Health Sciences, a private medical training institution, has officially opened its doors to the public, marking a significant milestone in Zambia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the health sector through education and ethical leadership.

This initiative targets the country’s critical shortage of healthcare workers, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

At the launch, Mr. Sydney Nalube, Director of Teacher Education and Specialised Services, described the college as a “national asset” and a “sanctuary of knowledge.” 

He emphasized its role in training clinical officers and health professionals dedicated to serving Zambia and the wider region.

“This is not just a ribbon-cutting event. It is the birth of a training ground that will shape how young Zambians think, act, and transform their communities,” Nalube said. “Education sharpens the mind and awakens moral purpose.”

The college’s flagship programme—a Diploma in Clinical Medicine—has been strategically designed to address Zambia’s persistent gap in trained health personnel. 

Clinical officers are frontline responders essential to improving healthcare delivery nationwide.

Nalube lauded the leadership of Professor Joseph Anton and his team for establishing the institution, highlighting the growing role of the private sector in national development.

“The opening of Queen’s Gate College proves that the private sector is not a spectator but a full partner in Zambia’s development. This is exactly what the government wants—public-private collaboration to expand the education sector,” he stated.

This launch aligns with the New Dawn Administration’s education reforms under President Hakainde Hichilema. 

Since 2021, the government has restored free education from early childhood through Grade 12, benefiting over one million children; recruited over 40,000 teachers; expanded access to higher education via increased funding and loan support; strengthened quality assurance through the Higher Education Authority; and promoted ICT integration and digital learning.

Addressing students, Nalube urged them to prepare for a life of service. He reminded them that their white coats symbolize more than medical expertise—they represent integrity and compassion.

“Let your education be more than a means to a certificate. Let it be a commitment to the health and well-being of your communities,” he said.

The college is poised to play a vital role in national and regional health development, with graduates expected to serve not only in Zambia but across Southern Africa, including Botswana.

Board Chairperson Professor Lawrence Mwewa emphasized that the institution aims to fill Zambia’s urgent need for skilled, values-driven health professionals who can serve in clinics, hospitals, and communities countrywide.

“This is more than a college launch; it is the planting of a seed—a seed of service, knowledge, and hope,” Prof. Mwewa said. 

“We must invest in people. We must educate and equip young Zambians to serve.”

The Diploma in Clinical Medicine programme is accredited by the University of Zambia, the Higher Education Authority, the Health Professions Council of Zambia, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia.

Prof. Mwewa stressed that Queen’s Gate College’s mission extends beyond technical training to instilling humility, ethics, and patriotism.

“We don’t just train hands—we train hearts,” he affirmed.

He also announced a strategic partnership with Cavendish University College of Law and Professional Studies, which will foster academic collaboration, curriculum development, and regional integration.

Future expansion plans include introducing programmes in mental health and psychiatry, dental therapy, physiotherapy, and other critical health disciplines. 

The college also plans to launch Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses to support health workers already in service.

Prof. Mwewa expressed gratitude to the New Dawn Government under President Hakainde Hichilema for providing a stable policy environment conducive to educational growth.

 He appealed to government and local authorities to consider including the college in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) sponsorship scheme, signaling readiness to enroll CDF-sponsored students as early as next week.

“We will come knocking at your door as early as Monday with our credentials,” he told officials present, including the Mayor of Kabwe.

“To our faculty and staff, thank you for your courage and willingness to labour for a cause greater than ourselves. Together, let us build a legacy rooted in excellence, service, and compassion,” he concluded.

The college promises to be a beacon of quality healthcare training, not only in Zambia but across the region. It envisions evolving into a university producing advanced health professionals and specialists.

Upenyu Chipalo, representing Gaborone College of Law and Professional Studies, announced a strategic partnership with Queen’s Gate College aimed at expanding access to accredited education and enhancing healthcare training in Zambia and the broader SADC region.

At the launch, Chipalo emphasized that the collaboration will allow Zambian students to pursue a range of qualifications locally, eliminating the need to study abroad.

The partnership aligns with the 2006 SADC Protocol on Higher Education, which encourages cross-border academic cooperation.

“This is not just about academic programs; it’s about sharing a philosophy of education rooted in service, excellence, and transformation,” Chipalo said.

Queen’s Gate will offer selected programs from Gaborone College’s 113 accredited courses, including certificates, diplomas, and degree-level qualifications in law, business, health, and professional studies. 

These courses, accredited by the Botswana Qualifications Authority, will be delivered in compliance with Zambia’s education regulations.

Chipalo highlighted the partnership’s role in advancing Zambia’s development goals, especially by training health professionals and supporting the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) through enrollment of sponsored students.

He urged local leaders, including the Mayor of Lusaka, to consider Queen’s Gate for skills development initiatives under the CDF.

“We see great potential in Queen’s Gate, especially in training frontline and mental health professionals who are urgently needed,” he noted.

The partnership follows Gaborone College’s visit to Zambia in October 2023, during which it engaged with the Higher Education Authority and the Zambia Qualifications Authority to explore academic collaboration.

Chipalo concluded by urging students to embrace this opportunity seriously.

“The education you receive here will not only transform your life but also position you to impact others across the region.”

Chibombo District Mayor Newtone Nyeleti announced an open-door policy, allowing residents to meet him without appointments, provided he is present in the office.

“You don’t need an appointment to see me. Even if you arrive late, if I am still in the office, I will attend to you,” Nyeleti said, citing inspiration from the late UTH doctor Dr. Manda, known for attending patients beyond working hours.

Mayor Nyeleti praised the government’s free education policy, noting that increased enrollment will soon require educational institutions to expand.

“Your institution will experience growth. You must plan ahead because this is a major investment in education,” he advised.

He challenged the college to emphasize research alongside teaching, particularly in health sciences, to address conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

“Research is essential to identify and solve the health challenges affecting our people,” he said.

Addressing students, Nyeleti called education “the greatest equalizer,” empowering learners from all backgrounds to shape their futures.

“Never lose your dream. With education, the world is yours,” he urged.

He assured the college of the district council’s support through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for institutions delivering quality education.

“Our doors are open. We are ready to partner with you,” he affirmed.

His remarks were warmly received by students and faculty, who welcomed his pledge to remain accessible and supportive.

Principal Steven Mukuka emphasized that the college’s establishment represents more than just opening doors—it is the opening of opportunities for hundreds of young Zambians aspiring to serve in healthcare.

“We are creating a space for learning, growth, research, and most importantly, service to humanity,” he said.

The launch occurred during a national mourning period following the recent passing of Zambia’s former President. Mukuka called for a moment of silence to honor the late leader’s legacy, describing it as an inspiration for the college’s mission.

“His legacy of public service inspires us in our own mission,” Mukuka said, expressing condolences and prayers for the family and the nation.

Queen’s Gate College was founded on the principle that access to quality health education is a right, not a privilege. The institution aims to meet the critical demand for well-trained healthcare workers in Zambia and the Southern African region, including Zimbabwe, Namibia, and beyond.

“Our programs are designed not only to meet current health system needs but also to shape future professionals who are ethical, competent, and compassionate,” Mukuka stated. “We are here to produce more than graduates; we are here to mold leaders in healthcare.”

The college leadership expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, the Higher Education Authority, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia, academic partners, staff, and all stakeholders involved in realizing this milestone.

To students, Mukuka offered encouragement to embrace their education with discipline and determination, underscoring that “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

He pledged to lead the institution with integrity, excellence, and unwavering dedication to student success.

The official opening concluded with musical performances and celebrations, setting an optimistic tone for Queen’s Gate College’s journey to impact Zambia’s healthcare sector and beyond.

The launch of Queen’s Gate College of Health Sciences marks a critical advancement in healthcare education and regional integration within higher learning. 

This event represents a milestone in the government’s efforts to reform education and strengthen Zambia’s healthcare system. 

The institution is now officially open and accepting students, poised to contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s—and the region’s—health development.