University Extension Education as a tool for Social Justice Adult Education: A Synthesis Paper on Access, Barriers and Success

  • Stabile N Ngambi
  • Nelson Sakala
  • Davies Phiri
  • Wanga W Chakanika
  • Levy Banda
Keywords: Adult educationExtension educationExtra-mural studies Social justice University of Zambia

Abstract

The genesis of university extension education in Zambia is rooted in the history of the University of Zambia (UNZA) in 1966. The mandate to provide extension education was given to the then Department of Extra-Mural Studies (DEMS) current known as the Department of Adult Education and Extension Studies (DAEES). The core business of university extension education is to address the educational needs of the marginalised masses by increasing access to both formal university education and lifelong learning. Nevertheless, the literature indicates that university extension education at UNZA has been under constant threats of being abolished as it has always been perceived as a liability to the institution irrespective of its philosophical underpinning which relates to the third function of universities. The purpose of this paper is to synthesise the literature that focuses on access, barriers and successes of UNZA extension education. Furthermore, it locates a nexus between university extension education and social justice. Finally, the paper concludes as an added voice on the need to sustain the existence of university extension education in Zambia

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Published
2020-08-26