A historical development of the Department of Adult Education and Extension Studies at the University of Zambia

Abstract

The history of the Department of Adult Education and Extension Studies in the University of Zambia is significant to the entire history of the institution. The department is as old as the University, born with the initial idea of establishing the university in the 1960s. It was initially known as the Department of Extra-Mural Studies and changed names and portfolios along the way until the 1990s when it became known as the Department of Adult Education and Extension Studies. The Lockwood commission clearly spelt out the university role in addressing the education of the community at large through the Department of Extra Mural Studies. The department did this using multiple avenues like class programmes, weekend and lunch break talks and seminars, debates and discussions. This attracted people from all walks of life who otherwise would not have had an opportunity to experience university education. The department worked closely with numerous organisations to achieve its goals; some of which sponsored its activities in all parts of the country superintended by resident tutors. Over the years, policy changes in the University of Zambia steered changes in the department. The article narrates these changes and how they determined the operations of the department. In the fifty years of the university existence. This includes the different roles the department played in the provision of extension education.