St John of God College to become university

Saint John of God College of Health Sciences in Mzuzu on Friday unveiled plans to become a university.

The college, which offers mental health programmes, is affiliated to University of Malawi (Unima) and Mzuzu University (Mzuni).

Speaking during the ninth graduation ceremony of 47 students on Friday, Mzuzu Catholic Diocese administrator’s representative Albert Chirambo, who was guest of honour at the function, said the 13 years the institution has been in existence is long enough for it to become a university.

He called on Unima and Mzuni, two of the country’s four public universities, to support the transition of the college to become a stand-alone institution and be able to award its own degrees and increase intake.

In his remarks, Saint John of God Principal Flemmings Nkhandwe called on government and other institutions to support needy students at the school, saying some learners fail to pursue their studies because of lack of money.

Ministry of Health principal secretary McPhail Magwira said turning the institution into a university will ease the burden of sending government officials to study abroad.

Unima vice-chancellor John Saka said his institution is ready to support the college to become a university.

He said Unima has enough expertise to guide the college so that it meets the requirements of the National Council for Higher Education.