Minister challenges universities to conduct relevant research
Government has challenged public universities in the country to ensure they come up with relevant research that contributes to the country’s development.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka made the remarks in Lilongwe on Tuesday when he opened the 2018 Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) research dissemination conference at the Bingu International Convention Centre (Bicc).
Speaking in light of climate change effects that have not spared the country, Msaka asked the university to apply its knowledge and innovation to help the country attain food security.
“We expect you to engage in serious and meaningful research which will attract the attention, admiration and respect of your peers in universities of repute across the globe,” he said.
In his remarks, Luanar council chairperson Professor James Seyani argued that it would be more effective if researchers actively involved farmers on the ground.
He said: “We all don’t need a reminder that we need to have the end-user in mind whenever we are conducting such projects.”
The two-day conference was hosted under the Capacity Building for Managing Climate Change in Malawi (Cabmacc) programme, a five-year Norwegian Government-funded initiative that started in 2013 to strengthen Luanar’s training, research and outreach in climate change adaptation and mitigation. n
