Bank honours pledge to support needy students

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has lived up to its pledge to support needy students at Mzuzu University (Mzuni) by paying fees for some of them.

The bank last year adopted 16 students whom it pledged to support until they complete their studies, but said the support would depend on their academic performance.

After paying their fees last year, the bank was back at the university on Friday to pay fees for the 16 needy students, and to award the school’s six best students.

The needy and the best students were given K350 000 each.

Speaking during the awards ceremony, NBM plc chief executive officer Mcfussy Kawawa said the bank believes in real social investments and education is an example of such initiatives.

He said education is among the bank’s priorities; hence, its commitment to support the needy students.

“Every child needs to be given an opportunity to access education because education is key to breaking the poverty cycle in Malawi,” said Kawawa.

He urged students to continue working hard to develop the country.

Mzuni Trust Fund manager Mbachazwa Lungu commended the bank for the support, saying a number of students at the university are failing to pay fees.

He appealed to well-wishers to emulate NBM’s initiative.

Mzuni director of studies Simeon Gwayi also hailed the bank for continuing to sponsor the awards, saying they are promoting competition among students.