Synod calls for adherence to retirement age
Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) has called upon government and companies to strictly observe the retirement age, currently at 65 years.
The Synod made the appeal at the graduation ceremony of 606 students from University of Livingstonia (Unilia)that took place at Mzuzu Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Synod general secretary Reverend Levi Nyondo said government and companies would reduce unemployment if they observed the retirement age.
He pointed out that there are many vacancies in government and companies that need to be filled by the graduates.
“We are sure that there are many vacancies right there in government offices and companies, however, some individuals that have reached retirement age are not ready to pave the way for the graduates. We are, therefore, urging government and other employers to be strict by letting those that have reached the retirement age go so that they can create space for the graduates,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Unilia vice-chancellor Reverend Timothy Nyasulu hailed partnership between the university and government.
He said the university has plans to expand to Kaning’ina in Mzuzu; hence it will continue to seek government support.
“Unilia was established by the Livingstonia Synod in 2003 and currently has campuses at Robert Laws in Rumphi and Ekwendeni in Mzimba.
“We have come a long way and this is our 13th congregation. We appreciate the partnership we have with government and it is our hope that this will continue as we implement our expansion programme,” he said.
On his part, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Justice Saidi urged the graduates to use skills gained as expected by the society.
“As government, we will continue to work with Unilia. It is good that the university is working hard to support government in providing tertiary education in the country,” he said.
Out of 606 students who have graduated this year, 248 are women.
