The University of Zambia's sanitation emergency is more than a logistical failure. It is a symbol of how little the government values higher education and the future of this nation.

For weeks, students at UNZA have endured deplorable sanitation conditions. Toilets have been non-functional, water has been scarce, and basic hygiene has been compromised. This is not acceptable at any institution, let alone the country's flagship university.

The government has promised a 10-day emergency response. But promises are not enough. We need immediate action, followed by long-term investment in the university's infrastructure.