Mzuzu University

Mzuzu University (MZUNI) has taken a significant step in its mission to foster development by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture (MLGUC). This MoU is designed to enhance knowledge-sharing, collaborative research, and outreach services aimed at addressing pressing societal issues. The official signing ceremony took place in Mponela, Dowa on Wednesday, where MZUNI Vice Chancellor, Professor Wales Singini, emphasised the university's dedication to adapting and evolving its role within the society. He acknowledged that the traditional confines of higher education institutions are no longer sufficient to meet the complex needs of society. “We are collaborating with various stakeholders to meet the demands of the communities where we work. We realise that working together has more benefits, including a wider reach and transforming the lives of the people,” Professor Singini said. He said the university occupies an advantageous position in the context of development but that would be meaningless if the institution operated in isolation. Through partnerships with with diverse stakeholders, MZUNI aims not only to achieve its strategic objectives but also to enhance its relevance and responsiveness to the community’s needs. Dr. Elizabeth Gomani Chindevu, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, said she was excited with the MoU. She highlighted the numerous opportunities that exist for joint initiatives between the ministry and the university. “Mzuzu University is known for its impactful research, and there are many areas where we can work together. This MoU enhances what we already do and will help address the gaps that existed in the past,” she said. Through this MOU, both Mzuzu University and the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture are poised to make significant strides in the promotion of education, research, and community engagement, ultimately creating a more effective framework for supporting local development and uplifting the communities they serve.   

The launch of Mzuzu University Sports Day last Friday signified the institution's commitment to promoting fitness, wellness, and team-building within its community. This initiative has energized staff members, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Wales Singini leading the staff members today in an aerobics session aimed at enhancing both physical health and the spirit of team work. Dean of Students Dr. Agnes Hara highlighted the benefit of physical activity. “Staff members often struggle to find time for personal exercise, which is why this session was important for our health and well-being. I look forward to participating in future sessions,” she said. The interaction among staff members enhances team building contributing to a more positive work environment. The turnout for the aerobics session was particularly encouraging, with 65 faculty and staff members participating. Sports Administrator Felix Kaliwo said the response reflects a strong commitment to nurturing a culture of teamwork and wellness at the university. “We will continue to build on these positive strides. This is just the beginning of a broader initiative focused on wellness and team-building initiatives,” he said. The participation in such activities not only helps individuals achieve their fitness goals but also plays a vital role in fostering a united and positive university environment, where collaboration and well-being are top priorities.

ETIC construction begins at Mzuzu University Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) Project Manager Grenard Mkwende has urged beneficiary universities to expedite their funding requests for the construction of facilities which will enhance access to quality education. Mkwende said this on Tuesday when Mzuzu University (MZUNI) officially handed over a construction site for the Entrepreneurs, Training, and Incubation Centre (ETIC) to a contractor. "To date, MZUNI is the only university that has demonstrated serious commitment by providing a site for construction, with plans to begin work on the centre,” Mkwende said. He said if other institutions secured contractors by November 30 this year, they will work together to meet the construction timelines. “It is indeed a tight schedule but the World Bank has made it clear that universities without contractors by the deadline will not be able to proceed. MZUNI has responded positively by securing a contractor, and I urge all universities to accelerate their progress,” he said. MZUNI Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Wapulumuka Mulwafu said the four-story ETIC building will require approximately K7 billion to be completed. “This news is incredibly positive for our university and demonstrates our commitment to completing the construction within the project's timeline. Once completed, the centre will foster human capital development in renewable energy and information communication technologies,” Mulwafu said. Managing Director of Dec Construction Limited Dan Chale assured the people who gathered during the site handover ceremony that the construction will be completed within the project timeline. "This project is funded by the World Bank, and I am confident in our ability to deliver results," he said. Launched in 2021 with a budget of $100 million, the SAVE project has allocated 33 percent of its funds to date and is scheduled for completion in June 2026. The SAVE Project will benefit nine higher education institutions, seven national technical colleges, and approximately 30 skills development institutions. Over its lifespan, the project is expected to positively impact 45,000 university students and 65,000 technical and vocational students.

Rest in Peace Dr. Ngeyi Ruth Kanyongolo

Her Excellency, the Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi, Ingrid Marie Mikelsen says Norway is committed to advancing higher education and research in the Global South. During the opening of the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) Week on Monday, Ambassador Mikelsen highlighted the collaborations and partnerships in important areas such as primary education, health, food security, and climate change. “We have witnessed significant collaborations which have enhanced exchange of ideas, research, articles, and publications. These have shaped policies and project designs among implementing partners,” she said. Speaking earlier, Mzuzu University Vice-Chancellor Professor Wales Singini acknowledged the contributions of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) to the development of Malawi in various sectors, including health, education, environment, and engineering. “We sincerely appreciate NORAD's funding and support, which have allowed us to carry out important projects in Malawi. Your dedication to furthering research, education, and community development is consistent with our mission and values,” said Professor Singini who is also Chair of Vice-Chancellors in Malawi. The Vice-Chancellor said the initiatives were addressing important issues in this country. “The projects are aligned with the MW2063 and other relevant global agendas. It is not therefore surprising that the majority of these initiatives are already yielding results,” he said. Professor Singini said the collaborative nature of NORAD funding was impressive. “You will observe that most of these projects are collaborations between multiple universities in Malawi. Universities' internal collaboration is strengthened that is why I do not regard universities as rivals, but rather as members of a team working for the common goal, and that’s what Malawians expect from us,” he said.

Mzuzu University (MZUNI) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wales Singini, says the memorandum of understanding signed on Thursday with the Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT) will strengthen the University’s focus on impactful research. "There have been concerns about students not always acquiring knowledge that can truly transform communities, but I am pleased to see a positive shift in the institutions of higher learning. Mzuzu University is specifically prioritizing impactful research, and this partnership will serve as a platform for students to acquire valuable knowledge," he said. The University signed the MoU through the African Centre of Excellence in Neglected and Underutilised Biodiversity (ACENUB), which specializes in research aimed at revealing the high value of neglected and underutilised biodiversity. CAT Executive Director Mcloud Nkhoma said CAT aims to promote the utilization of underutilized crops. "The purpose of this MoU is to outline how the two partners will collaborate and contribute to increased agricultural productivity and incomes for smallholder farmers, collaborative research among staff, industrial attachment, industrial skill development, product development, marketing, and incubation," he said. The strategic objectives of the MoU are to enhance farmer incomes by diversifying smallholder farmers into new value chains and increasing their agricultural productivity. The agreement also aims at supporting economic development by fostering the economic success of Malawian farmers through sustainable agricultural practices. CAT implements the Smart Farm Model to drive the adoption of agricultural innovations, new technologies, and critical management practices. Through its Market System Development component, it also facilitates financial and market access for smallholder farmers through trusted partners as off-takers. Established in 2022, ACENUB serves as a platform for high-level research and postgraduate (including postdoctoral) training for Malawi and the region, focusing on high-level research and training in neglected and underutilised biodiversity to contribute to regional agri-food and nutrition systems.  

Mzuzu University’s Faculty of Health Sciences champions collaborative learning as a means to cultivate responsible professionals and deepen their understanding of core concepts. On Tuesday, Third Level Optometry students collaborated with Second Level Nursing and Midwifery students in a practical learning session. During the Skills Lab Practical Session, the Optometry students took turns conducting eye tests on “imaginary patients” while their Nursing and Midwifery peers observed and learned from the process. This interaction not only enhanced their technical skills but also fostered an appreciation for interdisciplinary teamwork in healthcare. Nursing and Midwifery Senior Lecturer Dr. Tamara Phiri said collaborative learning is a transformative approach, particularly in healthcare disciplines where interdisciplinary teamwork is paramount. “With the increasingly complex patient care, the integration of diverse professional perspectives is essential for developing comprehensive treatment plans. We believe in fostering clinical skills and enhancing patient outcomes,” said Dr. Phiri who is also Clinical Coordinator and Community Health Coordinator. By engaging in joint activities and learning sessions, students from optometry and nursing shared their insights, knowledge, and skills, leading to a deeper understanding of each other’s roles in patient care. “The collaborative approach not only strengthens the educational experience but also mirrors the realities of clinical practice, where effective communication and teamwork are crucial for success,” she said. Collaborative learning is touted for enhancing understanding, developing critical thinking skills, improving communication skills, and increasing motivation. The Faculty of Health Sciences has three departments which are Nursing and Midwifery, Optometry and Biomedical Sciences. 

MZUNI EXCELS IN COUNCIL EXAMS Mzuzu University’s (MZUNI) Faculty of Health Sciences is celebrating a remarkable achievement by the Department of Nursing and Midwifery which has excelled in the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi (NMCM) Licensure examinations, boasting an impressive 98 percent pass rate. The achievement is a demonstration of exceptional competency which has seen MZUNI producing four top scorers across three papers in the examinations. Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences Dr. Ellemes Phuma-Ngaiyaye said the outstanding performance not only underscores the department's dedication to academic excellence but also solidifies MZUNI’s position as a leading institution in nursing and midwifery education in Malawi. “The success of the students reflects the quality of education, guidance, and support provided by the faculty members. This highlights MZUNI’s commitment to producing competent and skilled healthcare professionals in the field of nursing and midwifery. This accomplishment serves as a testament to the university's continuous pursuit of excellence,” she said. MZUNI’s consistent success in the licensure examinations not only reinforces its reputation for producing top-tier graduates but also emphasises the rigorous training and curriculum offered by the University. Dr. Phuma-Ngaiyaye said the achievement underscores MZUNI’s dedication to nurturing and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals. “We ensure that the students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their respective fields. MZUNI’s commitment to academic excellence continues to set it apart as a beacon of success in the field of nursing and midwifery,” she said. The Council, tasked with ensuring safe nursing and midwifery services in Malawi, administers Licensure exams to all newly qualified professionals before they can practice. MZUNI trains professional Nurse Midwives at the BSc level. With a 96 percent pass rate in the generic programme and 99 percent in the upgrading programme, the results speak for themselves. In the November 2023 licensure examination, MZUNI also dominated with its students securing the highest scores in all four papers. 

Mzuzu University Vice-Chancellor's Trophy has returned this year thanks to the ongoing sponsorship from the National Bank of Malawi. At the launch held at the university's sports complex on Saturday, Mzuzu Service Centre Manager Sam Mzungu said the bank was impressed with the trophy’s execution the previous year. "The partnership with the university through the Vice-Chancellor's Trophy sponsorship has yielded positive outcomes. We have therefore chosen to sustain our support to offer students activities beyond their academic pursuits," he said. Vice-Chancellor Professor Wales Singini highlighted the importance of social interaction among students for their academic achievement. “It is important that students should be engaged in sporting activities. With the sponsorship from National Bank of Malawi, the students are highly motivated to compete at the highest level,” he said. The K7 million sponsorship will support various sports disciplines at the institution including football, netball, volleyball, basketball, and hockey.

His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi and Chancellor of Mzuzu University, says the donation to less privileged students is an important investment because he believes that education is the foundation for development. Addressing the audience at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Dr. Chakwera highlighted the significance of education by donating K450 million to six public universities and Mpatsa Primary School in Nsanje. This contribution is aimed at not only supporting the less privileged students in the public universities but also aiding the reconstruction of Mpatsa Primary School which was destroyed by Cyclone Freddy. Vice-Chancellor of Mzuzu University Professor Wales Singini expressed gratitude to the Chancellor for his gesture. “The less privileged students face a lot of challenges. The Chancellor’s exemplary gesture is hugely appreciated and I would like to thank Dr. Chakwera on behalf of all the beneficiaries,” he said. Mzuzu University received K37,500,000 from the K450 million fund, which was raised through the Presidential Charity Golf Initiative.