Mzuzu, September 6: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has urged Malawian Universities to utilise partnerships with the private sector for them to be recognised internationally, attain education independence and produce skilled labour force.
Chakwera was speaking Wednesday when he presided over the celebration of Mzuzu University (Mzuni) silver jubilee and the awarding of degrees and diplomas to the 25th congregation.
“Leadership of Mzuni and other universities including colleges should be aggressive and innovative in securing partnerships with the private sector.
“This is necessary for making our universities relevant and to be globally recognized. The private sector is not charity organisations. They invest in skills necessary for the sustainability of their industries and sectors they belong to,” he said.
The president observed that the nation needs entrepreneur skills development hence it is the responsibility of every college to engage the private sector who will support them produce skilled graduates.
Ambassador Hawa Ndilowe, Chairperson of the Council of Mzuzu University said they are pushing for Mzuni to be a true provider of tertiary education and research in Malawi and the world.
“When we started in 1998, we only had the Faculty of Education with 73 students but today, the University has six faculties; Education, Science, Health, Humanities, Science and Technology, Tourism and Hospitality and Management. Enrollment has aslo increased from 73 to 8649 students,” she said.
In his remarks Vice Chancellor of Mzuni, Prof Wales Singini said they are reviewing the colleges’ curriculum to align with industry needs.
2022 graduands received their certificates of which 792 are women whilst 1230 are men.
Reported by George Mponda
