Malawi President Peter Mutharika has asked the academia to do more research which should find its way into international journals to improve the university’s credibility as well as contribute to development.
Mutharika said college lecturers and professors must not waste their time commenting on trivia in the public domain, but should instead invest their time in meaningful research.
He said: “A good university is known by its research and publications, so it is high time we put our universities on the world map through our research and innovations.
“I, therefore, urge lecturers to do more research which should get published in international journals.”
Mutharika said this on Saturday night during a fundraising dinner organised by University of Malawi (Unima) for its golden jubilee celebrations to be held in September.
In his remarks, Unima vice-chancellor Professor John Kalenga Saka said that, among others, Unima aims at enhancing research and widening access to quality and relevant education.
Said Saka: “Unima enhances research, widening access to quality and relevant education and strengthening governance and accountability.”
The event, which Vice-President Saulos Chilima also attended, was held at Bingu International Convention Centre (Bicc) attracted about 4 000 people from a cross-section of society, most of whom were alumni of Unima.
During the dinner, the director of ceremonies Benedicto Okomaatani Malunga, who is also Unima registrar, auctioned 40 metres of jubilee cloth at K100 000 to the Chief Secretary Georege Mkondiwa, and another 40 metres to Minister of Health, Jean Kalilani at K75 000.
When Unima opened its doors in 1965, it had a student population of 90 today the student population stands at 11 000.