The campus runs along a central axis, which divides the complex into faculties and housing areas. The structure allows cross-wise expansions or lengthwise addition of new institutes or other facilities. Typical for the 1960s is the attempt to separate streets and footpaths vertically using raised pedestrian bridges. The university was planned and partly executed by Israel. However, for political reasons the Israelis abandoned the building site in 1973, taking all plans with them; Zambia was never able to obtain these plans so the second construction phase was never completed.

In use, partial modernization 2012, other parts in need of renovation.