Pricua Defends Gideon Robert University against unfounded allegations by RDAZ
The Private Colleges and Universities Alliance (PRICUA) wishes to categorically refute and express our concern over the recent public attacks and legal action initiated by the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) against one of our esteemed member institutions, Gideon Robert University (GRU). The allegations of "substandard training" of medical doctors at GRU are not only unsubstantiated but also a direct affront to the integrity of regulatory oversight provided by competent experts from Higher Education Authority and other regulators in Zambia before a program is registered and accredited.
RDAZ must be reminded that due process under Zambia's higher education and health professions qualifications framework demand high level quality assurance by institutional of Higher learning applying for accreditation to which GRU met the criterial for accreditation. Gideon Robert University is duly registered and accredited under the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and operates within the legal and professional guidelines set forth by the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ).
As such, any claims regarding academic or professional misconduct should be channeled through these competent authorities, who are legally and statutorily mandated to regulate, evaluate, and ensure quality in higher education and health training institutions. We are disappointed that RDAZ has chosen to act outside of the established consultative and regulatory mechanisms and instead opted for public sensationalism and legal confrontation. This undermines stakeholder dialogue, institutional collaboration, and the spirit of professionalism expected within Zambia's health and education sectors.
PRICUA reaffirms its full confidence in Gideon Robert University’s medical training programs, which are continually reviewed and benchmarked to meet national standards. We also reaffirm our support for all independent institutions who, despite limited resources, have demonstrated a commitment to advancing access to quality medical education in Zambia and across Africa. We urge RDAZ to cease its disruptive actions and instead engage in constructive dialogue with HEA, HPCZ, and relevant stakeholders.
The path to resolving concerns is through inclusive consultation, transparent evaluation, and evidence-based recommendations not litigation and media misrepresentation. The institution as a service provider has everything it takes to produce competent and qualified medical personnel with both internal and external quality assurance process in place We stand with Gideon Robert University. We stand for fair, fact-based discourse. We stand for progress in education.
Dr. Lackson Banda SECRETARY GENERAL - PRICUA