Vice chancellors (VCs) of Mzuzu University (Mzuni) and Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Kuhes) have said universities in the country need specialists in psychosocial counselling to address mental health-related problems occurring in higher education institutions.
They emphasised that this demand should apply to both public and private institutions, saying that mental health issues should not be underestimated.
Mzuni VC Wales Singini and his Kuhes counterpart Macpherson Mallewa made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of 49 students who completed their studies at St. John of God College of Health Sciences in Mzuzu.
Singini noted that both staff and students face significant stress from overwork and misunderstandings, which can lead to mental health problems.
“It is not that we should hire these psychosocial specialists only when things have gone out of hand. We need them now in all higher learning institutions because mental health problems are prevalent everywhere,” Singini said.
Mallewa added that the demand for psychosocial specialists is high given the challenges faced by Malawians across all sectors.
He believes that increasing the number of specialists could effectively reduce cases of divorce, suicide and interpersonal violence by addressing stress proactively.
“These graduates should not struggle to find employment given the demand out there. We need more trained specialists,” Mallewa said.
Emmanuel Ngwira, Executive Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Malawi, Emmanuel Ngwira noted that having psychosocial specialists present could minimise cases of indiscipline among students and employees.
On the other hand, Esmie Mkwinda, who is Principal of St. John of God College of Health Sciences, pointed out that underutilisation of mental nursing officers in public officers is exacerbating the situation.
The students graduated in clinical medicine and psychiatric nursing, among other programmes.
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