The University of Zambia (UNZA) Mother Body Associations have called for the resignation of the UNZASU President, Vice President and Secretary General, following the recent death of a student which has reportedly shaken the institution and raised serious concerns about student welfare.
In a strongly-worded letter dated 1st April 2026, addressed to the UNZASU leadership, the Mother Body Association Presidents expressed deep concern over what they described as continued lack of urgency in addressing critical issues affecting students at the institution.
The associations stated that the tragic death of a fellow student has exposed a widening gap between expectations and the performance of the current student union leadership.
They further highlighted that sanitation conditions at the university have deteriorated to alarming levels, posing serious health risks to students and reflecting ineffective advocacy from UNZASU.
“As leaders entrusted with representing students, it is expected that the union remains proactive and responsive. However, the current situation reflects a clear gap between expectations and performance,” reads part of the letter.
The associations noted that the situation has raised serious concerns about student safety and has eroded confidence in the current leadership’s ability to represent student interests effectively.
As a result, the Mother Body Associations have demanded that the UNZASU top leadership step down in what they termed a peaceful and honourable manner in order to restore accountability and rebuild trust among the student community.
“In light of this, we respectfully request the UNZASU President, Vice President and Secretary General to step down in a peaceful and honorable manner to restore accountability and rebuild trust,” the letter reads.
In addition to calling for resignations, the associations also appealed to UNZA management to temporarily close the institution to allow for maintenance works and to ensure a safer environment for students.
“Furthermore, we appeal to university management to temporarily close the institution to allow for necessary maintenance and ensure a safe environment for students,” they stated.
The letter was copied to several UNZA Mother Body Association leaders, including the presidents for UNZASEDA, UNZAHSSA, UZES, UNZAVETSA, UNZAAGRICS and UNZAMS.
The development has since triggered debate among students and members of the public, with many questioning whether UNZASU leadership has done enough to address long-standing concerns on campus, including sanitation and student safety.