Malawi News

Lazarus Chakwera challenges students on innovation

Lazarus Chakwera challenges students on innovation

President Lazarus Chakwera has challenged students to embrace innovation.

Chakwera made the remarks Thursday in Mzuzu at the graduation ceremony of 2,652 students from Mzuzu University (Mzuni).

The 26th congregation was split into two days, where 668 graduands received academic papers on the first day.

Chakwera said educated people have prowess in language, engineering, communication, tourism, health and the ability to solve societal problems.

“Solving such problems could include the establishment of the 20 megawatts renewed energy power plant. It’s up to you to solve the problems or be part of the problem. Malawi needs new ideas,”

“My warning would be, if you cannot get on the train of innovation, please get out of our way,” he said.

Giving highlights of Mzuni’s strategic plan running up to 2030, council chairperson Ambassador Hawa Ndilowe said the school intends to increase enrollment to over 19,000 from the current 8,649 by 2030.

Ndilowe banked her hope on open distance e-learning and other activities.

She said the second oldest public university also intends to improve quality by increasing linkages and promoting structured internships.

In his remarks, Mzuni Vice Chancellor Wales Singini said the establishment of a mega farm at Choma aligns with the government’s Agriculture, Tourism, Mining Strategy.

Singini also said they have already engaged Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) for a power purchase agreement as Mzuni intends to establish a 20 megawatts renewable energy power plant.