MUST converting classrooms into labs

The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) on Ndata Farm in Thyolo is going to turn some of the college’s classrooms into laboratories to ensure that it opens on time.

MUST project coordinator Tarsizius Nampota confirmed the news on Thursday.

The college advertised in The Nation of December 12 2013 for applications for degree courses in chemical engineering, metallurgy and processing engineering and biomedical engineering.

Others are Master of Science in Innovation Programme and a postgraduate diploma in entrepreneurship.

Last month, MUST submitted a report to Parliament expressing doubt that the college would open its doors next month. This was due to the incomplete state of infrastructure and lack of laboratories among other things.

Nampota, however, said the issue of laboratories has been sorted out.

“We have turned some classrooms into laboratories. We have done so in order to make sure that things move fast,” said Nampota.

He, however, added that the college has no infrastructure problems because they are adequate, including accommodation.

Nampota maintained that the official opening of the college is January although the closing date for receiving applications is January 17.

“We are not planning to change the date because as soon as the application process and identification of candidates is done, the exact date will be known,” said the project coordinator.

Fees at MUST is higher than in other government universities. Students will have to pay K500 000 (US$1 196) per year as tuition, K30 000 (US$72) accommodation, K25 000 (US$60) dissertation/thesis binding fees and 500 United States Dollars for research fees.

Nampota justified the fees saying things have gone up and that science and technology courses are generally expensive to manage.

“However, if there will be students who will not be able to manage, MUST will be able to assist,” said Nampota.