Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka has lauded science and technology as key drivers of Malawi’s economic growth through innovation to actualise the country’s development agenda.
In this regard, the minister, speaking during the seventh congregation of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (Must) in Thyolo yesterday, challenged the graduates to use the knowledge they have acquired to create jobs and contribute to national development.
Msaka said Malawi needs graduates who can drive innovation and build resilient communities instead of waiting for employment opportunities.
“You have acquired knowledge and skills. Do not become job seekers but job creators. Malawi’s resilience depends on knowledge, innovation and technology,” he said.
The minister also commended outgoing Vice-Chancellor Professor Address Malata for her visionary leadership since the university’s establishment 10 years ago, saying she laid a strong foundation for the institution’s growth.
He said Malata’s commitment and dedication have transformed Must into one of the country’s leading science and technology universities.
Msaka (R) and Must Council chairperson Noel
Mkulichi, look on. | Courtesy of MUST
In his address, Msaka also congratulated Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha for graduating with a master of science in entrepreneurship.
He further congratulated Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority director general Mayamiko Nkoloma for obtaining a doctor of philosophy in innovation and development from Must.
Nkoloma and Must Institute of Industrial Research and Innovation research fellow Wongani Langa became the first PhD graduates from the university opened 12 years ago. Langa focused his research on an open innovation partnership model for industrialisation.
In her farewell address, Malata thanked President Peter Mutharika for the confidence he showed by appointing her as the university’s substantive inaugural Vice-Chancellor in 2016 and the first woman in that role in the country.
She said serving Must for the past decade had been a privilege and thanked members of staff and stakeholders for their unwavering support.
“I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has walked this journey with me. Your support and dedication have made the university what it is today,” said Malata.
She also wished her successor, Associate Professor Mwapatsa Mipando, success after overseeing a three-month leadership transition.
During her tenure, Malata spearheaded the establishment of the Must Endowment Trust to support financially challenged students. The trust has since been renamed the Professor Address Malata Endowment Fund and received K50 million in seed funding from Standard Bank plc.
A graduate Henry Limited, who passed his bachelor of arts in language, communication and culture with credit, said Msaka’s message resonated with him and he pledged to use the knowledge to contribute to national development.
A total of 746 students received certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s and master’s degrees during the congregation held under the theme ‘Innovation for resilience science and technology.’
