Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka has challenged the University of Malawi (Unima) to complete outstanding construction works without compromising their quality, safety and value for money.
The minister, speaking on Friday in Zomba when he assessed the progress of the Unima’s infrastructure development under the World Bank-funded Skills for a Vibrant Economy (Save) Project, stated that universities are more than centres of learning as they are also driving forces behind research, innovation, economic growth and national transformation.
“Strengthening higher education needs investment in modern infrastructure that creates conducive learning environments for students, researchers and academic innovation,” said Msaka.
| Holyce Kholowa
He added that the project was expected to be completed officially by June 30 this year as it was granted a no-cost extension of 12 months to complete all outstanding construction works.
Secretary for Education, Science and Technology Ken Ndala said that the Save project rolled out on October 14 2021 and was expected to phase out in June this year in all 10 construction sites across public universities and colleges in the country.
He attributed the delays to acute and prolonged shortages of fuel and key construction materials, especially cement and rains which critically impaired the ability of contractors to maintain momentum between late September 2023 and September 2025.
“The project was extended to complete outstanding construction works which were behind schedule across beneficiary institutions,” said Ndala.
Unima Vice-Chancellor Professor Samson Sajidu acknowledged that the initiative will increase access to tertiary education, leading to the attainment of the human capital development enabler in the country’s long-term development strategy, Malawi 2063.
The new infrastructure include Unima lecture theatres, offices and a new administration block
