Will Nkhoma Synod University ever open?

From the time that missionary’s set foot on the Malawians soil religious organisations have been greatly involved in education and other sectors of our society. Nkhoma Synod has been is talking of opening a University but will this ever come to fruition? Through an emailed questionnaire JAMES CHIMPWEYA asked the General Secretary of the Synod Reverend Davidson Chifungo these questions and others.

We hear the Synod is planning to open a university?

Indeed the synod has had plans to open a university which will be called ‘Nkhoma University ’. This idea and vision came after realising that very few students who sit for standard 8 examinations find space in the University of Malawi and other private universities and colleges. As CCAP Nkhoma synod we believe in working with the government in providing quality education to all Malawians. We believe that we are not competing with any institution but to partner and achieve objectives that will see our country developing further. We also do not believe in blame shifting but we believe that if govt and the Church continue to work together the country can experience great development. Secondly the synod has been involved in education for many years. We own over 700 primary schools which are mostly grant aided schools which means they are run by govt. we also have over 70 community day secondary schools which are also grant aided. In these schools we have offered education to many influential citizens of this country. So having had the experience in primary and secondary education we believe time has come to go into tertiary education. We are also aware that the govt has plans to open 5 universities in the country and I believe we will complement such efforts.

How far have you gone with this ambitious plan? Was this included in the strategic plan launched last year?

Our strategic plan actually was developed some 5 years ago and the issue of the university and radio station featured highly in the strategic plan. So although the dream has been there we believe the environment is much better now than ever before. We are currently organising the University Charter and also in the process of registration.

Where will this university be located?

At the moment we plan to locate the university in Lilongwe district.

When are you planning to open it?

We are planning that by next year we should be opening the university and of course continue to expand over the years to come.

Who will qualify entry into this university?

We will be targeting school leavers with best grades; girls will be given special consideration so that they be given opportunities too.

What programs of study will the university offer?

We already have the JosophatMwale Theological Institute offering diplomas in theology; we have Nkhoma College of nursing offering diplomas in nursing and midwifery. So we have an academic committee that is putting up a curriculum which will be made public later.

How will the university be financed?

We have been sensitising people and churches on this ambitious plan and we are currently encouraging people also to make their contributions and donations towards this project. We are encouraging church members, alumni of our schools, NGOs, business people, individuals and all well wishers to also help in cash and kind

Is this the Synod’s first major project or there are others to this magnitude?

The first one was the radio station.