By PASSY HAACHIZO –
MULUNGUSHI University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airtel which will see the mobile phone service provider sponsor some programmes at the Kabwe-based public institution.
The MoU will also draw Airtel Zambia services such as mobile money closer to students at the university.
Mulungushi University vice-chancellor Hellicy Ng’ambi said at the signing ceremony that there was need to increase access to Information Communication and Technology (ICT) by the rural populace.
Professor Ng’ambi said Airtel Zambia should extend sensitisation on the importance of ICT to rural parts of the country to enhance connectivity.
She said there was also need for the service provider to educate members of the public on the good use of ICT.
Prof Ng’ambi said that the signing of the agreement would help the two institutions spread the message on the good use of ICT which was being abused by some individuals.
She said mobile networks played a pivotal role in uplifting people’s lives as it made access where one would not reach physically.
“I believe that the signing of this MoU will change the way Mulungushi University does business with regard to customer response rate, information dissemination, marketing, publicity and enrolment,” Prof Ng’ambi said.
“The institution will work hard to ensure that the good message on the better use of technology is trickled down from one generation to the next.”
Airtel zonal business manager Robinson Sinkonde said his firm would ensure that the university was transformed by ensuring that Airtel Money and other services needed by students were made available at the institution.
“We are very much eager to ensure that Airtel Money is available to make payments by students easy. We will also provide the institution with brandings, among other things,” he said.
Mr Sinkonde said the company was now working with the law-enforcement agencies to curb lawlessness in the country.