President Lazarus Chakwera has challenged students in institutions of higher learning to create opportunities where others see problems to easily navigate through the complexities of life.
According to the President, students should not always expect to see direct opportunities but think outside the box and create the opportunities themselves.
Chakwera was speaking yesterday at Malawi University of Science and Technology (Must) campus at Goliati in Thyolo District where the institution was celebrating its 10th anniversary alongside the conferment of various degrees, diplomas and certificates to graduating students.
He said: “Those who do not pay attention to detail also miss out on opportunities. Train your mind to see opportunities where others see problems. You don’t need to see a direct opportunity. You can turn a situation into an opportunity by thinking outside of the box.”
The President’s message centred on the graduands developing the skill of conscientiousness which he said is a fundamental trait for succeeding in life.
“Skills you develop will determine where you will go. Pay attention to detail. Those who miss out on details miss out on important developments,” said Chakwera.
He further said one of the recent developments worth applauding is the resumption of direct budget support from the European Union after 10 years.
In her remarks, Must vice-chancellor Professor Address Malata said the university, through its five pillars, is repositioning to be beyond conferment of degrees and diplomas by contributing to the realisation of the Malawi 2063.
“We are expanding through innovation and commercialisation. We want to provide education that is beyond the conferment of degrees, certificates and diplomas but by focusing on entrepreneurship and job creation,” she said.
The vice-chancellor said the institution currently has over 56 programmes accredited by National Council for Higher Education (Nche) but will soon build a plant to assemble tablets and laptops.
Must Council acting chairperson Boyd Luwe appealed to government to assist it in solving accommodation challenges which have plagued the institution.
He said accommodation is one of the major challenges affecting public universities as the institutions have been increasing their intake while bed space has remained constant.
During the 10th anniversary celebration, Must graduated 610 students of which 430 are males and 180 are females.
