Malawi's President Takes Helm of MUBAS
As MUBAS conferred degrees on its inaugural graduating class, its chancellor vowed to prioritize quality, relevant education to develop an educated workforce.
BLANTYRE, Malawi - Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera officially took over as chancellor of the newly formed Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) on Wednesday, writes Winston Mwale.
Chakwera presided over the first-ever congregation ceremony for the institution.
The historic event saw 114 graduates receive degrees from a range of business, technology and vocational programs.
They included bachelor's degrees in architectural studies, accountancy, business administration, procurement and logistics management, as well as a university certificate in education and B.Sc. in industrial laboratory technology.
Donning full academic regalia, Chakwera led the ceremonial proceedings at the Open Distance e-Learning grounds in Blantyre.
He was joined by top MUBAS officials like council vice chair Nancy Chitera and registrar Lloyd Kambwiri.
The pomp and circumstance surrounded Chakwera's installation as the university's chief overseer and visitor.
Established just two years ago after delinking from the University of Malawi, MUBAS already boasts over 7,000 students hailing from across Malawi and neighboring countries.
The new specialized university aims to help meet demand for business, technology and vocational training in the country.
It was previously known as The Polytechnic, a constituent college founded back in 1965 under the University of Malawi.
As MUBAS conferred degrees on its inaugural graduating class, its chancellor vowed to prioritize quality, relevant education to develop an educated workforce - a catalyst for economic growth in his words.
An ambitious goal for the nascent institution finding its footing.