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APM calls for more innovation

President Peter Mutharika has called on Malawians to be more innovative saying the country needs people with a scientific mind to become a great nation of achievers.

Speaking on Thursday in Thyolo after being inaugurated chancellor of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (Must), Mutharika called on people of the nation to start believing in themselves and do more in advancing technology and innovation.

President Peter Mutharika

“Science and technology used to be part of us before colonisation. We used to be more creative in making resources that helped in our day to day lives. Let’s embrace the spirit of self-independence. We must be producers and exporters of technology and not consumers and importer of other people’s technology,” said Mutharika.

Mutharika added that he is proud to be chancellor of the university whose idea was conceived while he was minister of education science and technology.

On University management, Mutharika hinted that government is not there to micro-manage or impede the autonomy of universities but provide necessary guidance so that universities achieve their visions.

“The university is run by the law and by law there are establishments such as Chancellor, Council and administration. As a chancellor, my duty is to guide the vision of the university, ensure that the university has sound leadership that manages the affairs of the university on behalf of government. We can come in where there are situations where university management cannot make decisions on its own,” he added.

Vice Chancellor Address Malata said they inaugurated Mutharika Chancellor of Must realising his various achievements both locally and globally.

She outlined achievements including his expertise in research and international law, several portfolios he held in the country before becoming the president of Malawi, his being a lecturer in several universities outside Malawi and international awards including the African Leadership Award this year.

In his remarks, Minister of Education Science and Technology Emmanuel Fabiano said science, technology and innovation is critical in the manufacturing industry and for Malawi to achieve more it needs to be able to produce human capital that can stimulate the industry.

He said on its part Malawi has made tremendous achievements in producing innovative citizens through its universities.

He gave an example of owners of companies such as Candlex Limited, some Malawian owned construction industries and medical personnel produced by the country’s public universities.

“We need to focus more in training, diversify our ideas so that we are able to contribute to the development of the country,” said Fabiano.

Opened on October 24, 2013, Must has so far graduated 23 undergraduates and 25 post graduate students. Currently it has 950 students.

 

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