By Blessings Nkhata
President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration has received widespread praise from education analysts in the country, with many lauding the government’s efforts to restore the lost glory of Malawi’s universities.
Mirriam Matemba, an education analyst, said the strides made by President Chakwera as remarkable, emphasising that they deserve acknowledgment for transforming the higher education landscape in Malawi.
She pointed to the construction of the Mzuzu Library as a key milestone, describing it as an iconic pillar that will help restore students’ confidence at Mzuzu University.
The library, being built with a state-of-the-art design, will undoubtedly enhance the academic environment for students and staff alike.
Matemba also applauded the creation of the new Entrepreneurs Training Hub at Mzuzu University, which she believes will play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in the country.
“With the country’s growing need for more entrepreneurs to drive economic development, this initiative is seen as a timely and crucial step towards achieving that goal,” said Matemba
Furthermore, Matemba recognised the ongoing efforts to revitalise infrastructure development at Mzuzu University, which she described as a critical part of enhancing the quality of higher education for students.
“These developments will provide a more conducive learning environment, she stated, and will have a lasting impact on the university’s reputation and output,” she said
Echoing these sentiments, Hussein Kaudzu, an education analyst expert, praised President Chakwera for his visionary leadership in improving infrastructure at Malawi’s institutions of higher learning.
He specifically mentioned the University of Malawi and Chancellor College, where new buildings and facilities have been constructed, signaling a long-overdue transformation that had been lacking under previous administrations.
Kaudzu also noted the improvements at Domasi College of Education, where the construction of new offices, a library, a girls’ hostel, and a resource center represents a significant step forward in ensuring that students at Domasi have access to modern and well-equipped facilities.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining these facilities, urging both staff and students to take responsibility for safeguarding them for the long term.
In his analysis, Kaudzu indicated that if President Chakwera continues with this pace of progress, the next five years could see Malawi undergoing a significant transformation, particularly in the education sector.
Richard Kagwa, another education analyst, commended the construction of the University of Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), calling it a key development that will contribute to the industrial revolution in the country.
Kagwa noted that UniPod will serve as a hub for innovation, with the potential to reduce the country’s dependence on imports, particularly in areas such as agricultural and industrial machinery.
He said MUBAS’s establishment of an industrial park, is another achievement that underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing practical learning and industry collaboration.
He commended the ongoing implementation of various projects at MUBAS, such as the Lime Extraction Project in Balaka, which has already created numerous job opportunities for Malawians.
Additionally, Kagwa commended the creation of the Malawi School of Government, which has been instrumental in revitalising the education sector by offering a range of courses aimed at improving governance and public sector management.
“The school has provided a platform for developing a skilled workforce in public administration, further strengthening the country’s capacity to drive development,” he said.
He said the contributions of the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) are remarkable stating that the university has made significant strides in advancing agricultural and environmental education through projects such as the Mega Farm and aquatic programs.
“Under the dynamic leadership of President Chakwera, LUANAR’s initiatives are helping to ensure food security, sustainable agriculture, and economic growth in Malawi.
“As the country continues to witness improvements in the higher education sector, it is clear that President Chakwera’s administration is making a concerted effort to modernize infrastructure, promote innovation, and create opportunities for young people to thrive. These developments are not only a testament to the government’s commitment to education but also a promising indicator of the country’s future growth and progress,” he said.
He said Chakwera’s transformative approach to education is shaping Malawi’s future by equipping students with the tools and resources they need to become leaders and innovators, driving the country towards greater prosperity.