In line with the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012, the Copperbelt University (CBU) has formed an Integrity Committee to spearhead and oversee initiatives aimed at combating corruption and fostering a culture of transparency and ethical governance by implementing best practices in collaboration with various departments and units across the institution.
The Integrity Committee members actively took part in the Induction Training organized by the Anti-Corruption Commission, held in Kitwe from February 11th to 14th, 2025. This training was designed to provide the committee members with essential knowledge and skills, empowering them to efficiently lead and facilitate the implementation of corruption prevention best practices within the Copperbelt University.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the training, the Anti-Corruption Commission Copperbelt Regional Manager Mr Chola Kasongo emphasized the importance of upholding integrity and accountability in institutions of higher learning, noting that corruption can undermine the quality of education and institutional credibility.
And Vice-Chancellor of the Copperbelt University represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Professor Paul Chisala, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and ethical conduct. He commended the formation of the Integrity Committee as a significant step toward strengthening governance structures within the institution.
He further highlighted the devastating effects of corruption on national development, emphasizing that corruption leads to poor service delivery due to the miss-allocation of resources.
‘Every employee of the Copperbelt University has a duty to protect institutional resources and uphold ethical standards. The fight against corruption requires a concerted effort, not only from the government and the Anti-Corruption Commission but also from individuals at all level.’ He said.
The Integrity Committee is tasked with several responsibilities, including conducting an assessment of the corruption risk factors within the University, devising corresponding mitigation measures and facilitating the creation, review, and internalization of sound corporate governance practices and guidelines, such as the Code of Ethics and Service Charters, with a focus on ensuring their public awareness and visibility.
The Committee serves as an in-house mechanism to cultivate a culture of zero tolerance to corruption at CBU, comprising 16 members of staff from different departments, ensuring that anti-corruption efforts are integrated across all levels of the institution.
The Copperbelt University is one of Zambia’s leading higher education institutions, dedicated to providing quality education, research, and innovation. With a focus on science, technology, engineering, and business studies, CBU plays a crucial role in national development by equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to drive economic growth and societal progress. The University remains committed to excellence, integrity, and inclusivity, fostering an environment that nurtures future leaders and change makers.