22 May, 2018

UNIVERSITY OF MALAWI SHINES AMONG THE COUNTRY’S PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES, SCOOPS 8 AWARDS

Director of Basic and Secondary Education in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Ms Thokozile Banda has advised public universities in the country to delve into research that informs government development policy.

Ms Thokozile Banda was speaking during the cheques presentation ceremony to successful young post graduates in Chancellor College’s Little Theatre at Chancellor College, University of Malawi in Zomba.

Ms Banda said it is the first time that young post graduate researchers have been supported by government through the research grants to the tune of 500 thousand kwacha to each awardee.

She said the research grant represents the mark of highest honour for the President Arthur Peter Mutharika, who is also the Chancellor of all public universities, to commit himself in developing this country through research findings that informs government policy.

“Research should influence planners for efficiency and in the process benefit the country. This is the commitment of the State President, His Excellency Professor Aurthur Peter Mutharika through the establishment of a Science Commission , a body that will cordinate all the scientific research in the country”, she informed.

The Vice Chancellors of public universities were among the most recognizable dignitaries and the Vice Chancellor Professor John D Kalenga Saka led the senior management team of University of Malawi at the function.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology a few months ago ran a competition where they had requested young post graduate professionals from public universities to submit their research proposals for the ministry to consider research viability and award successful applicants accordingly.

All the four public Universities,namely, University of Malawi UNIMA), Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mzuzu University Mzuni) and Lilongwe University of Science and Natural Resources (LURNAR) participated in the competition.

However, University of Malawi distinguished itself by dominating the awards scooping 8 out of the 17.