Mutharika shifts blame on councils, managements

President Peter Mutharika has accused councils and managements of public universities of contributing to the closure of the institutions of higher learning because of their resistance to embrace the ongoing reforms in the public service.

The President has also challenged councils and managements of public universities to stop looking up to him whenever there is a crisis; instead they should devise solutions to problems rocking institutions of higher learning.

But Civil Society Education Coalition (Csec) has described Mutharika’s remarks as regrettable and a clear indication that the President does not know his mandate as chancellor.

Speaking in Lilongwe on Wednesday during the first congregation of the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar), the President said he does not expect everything to come to me” whenever a crisis arises in the universities.

Said Mutharika: “I know that some people are eager to point fingers at the Head of State and Chancellor for every problem that arises in the universities. I am the ultimate authority and I don’t mind.

“But we must remember the principles of good governance. The governance of every university is done by the Council and its Management. We have empowered them by Law to govern the universities on behalf of the Government. And I do not expect everything to come to me. I expect the Council and management to do what is required of them.”

“And to every Chairperson of Council and Vice Chancellor, let me say this. Malawians expect you to be visibly active in managing your university on behalf of Government. More so in times of crisis!” he added.

Mutharika further accused university councils and managements of lacking efficiency in use of resources. He said Malawi Government financing education far much better than most countries in the world.

“[But] one challenge is our efficient use of resources. Please, manage your human and financial resources. Let me announce that the Global Education Commission has identified Malawi to be one the first countries to implement the global education financing programme,” he stated.

He also accused authorities in the education sector of resisting change, particularly the ongoing Public Service Reforms Programme (PSRP).

“We demand transformation but we don’t want change – we don’t want to do things differently. Some reforms in education are facing resistance because we want transformation without change.

“Our university education will never change unless we change our culture of thinking! The essence of education is to change how we think. Therefore, we all expect the University to be the first place for championing and accepting change,” said Mutharika, adding this is one of the reasons that contributed to the closure of some universities.

But Csec executive director Benedicto Kondowe described the President’s excuse as lame.

Kondowe said the statement Mutharika made has demonstrated that he does not know why he is holding the position of a Chancellor.

“If the President believes councils and managements hold final solutions to every problem, including the ones currently rocking the institutions of higher learning, then he must cease being the chancellor.

“The Chancellor is in that position to provide as the head so that councils and managements should seek his guidance and solution whenever a problem beyond their capacity arises. Now, if he thinks he does not have those solutions, then he can as well cease assuming this position,” emphasised Kondowe.

He further cautioned Mutharika against wasting time blaming councils and managements for the closure of the universities, saying as Head of State, the President holds the key to the problem.

Meanwhile, Mzuzu University (Mzuni) has announced that it is exploring longer-term plans to broaden its revenue base and improve the institution’s resource envelope in a drive to make the institution self-sustaining in the long run.

Mzuni vice chancellor Robert Ridley told The Nation on Monday that they are considering venturing into various forms of income generating activities, including construction of a hospitality skills development centre at Dunduzu that will have a conference room, conference centre facilities.

“And that will also provide opportunity for separate income streams for the university,” stated Ridley.

“And also with funding from development partners, we are expanding our distance learning. We are establishing four satellite learning centres in Karonga, Balaka, Mulanje and one in Lilongwe. That will provide opportunity for offering various types of courses to students on part-time students whilst generating income for the university,” he added.