By Serah Chilora & Isaac Salima:
President Lazarus Chakwera has challenged the Malawi University of Science and Technology (Must) to take a leading role in the application of climate change-related sciences.
Chakwera, who is the university’s chancellor, made the remarks at Must campus in Thyolo District Friday during the 4th congregation.
He said climate change is an urgent and pressing matter, with Malawi suffering no less than five climate-change induced natural disasters and, at least, one public health emergency precipitated by climate change events.
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“As a leading university in climate science, Must needs to lead our response. Toward that end, I urge the leadership to consider initiating a climate change research centre here that brings together experts from various disciplines to develop innovative solutions that promote sustainability and resilience in the context of Malawi’s unique vulnerabilities to climate disasters.
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“By all indications, these calamities are set to continue with ever increasing intensity and severity and it will not do for us, as a nation, to sit idly by and wait to be caught unawares and unprepared as we have done in the past,” Chakwera said.
He said Must can collaborate with government agencies and non-governmental organisations to implement practical interventions that safeguard the environment and protect vulnerable community members.
“This climate change research centre would actually go well with the establishment of a community impact programme, encouraging students, faculty and staff [members] to actively participate in projects that address pressing societal challenges emanating from such disasters. These are the kinds of innovations that will keep Must on the frontlines of national development and sustain its supremacy as a bastion of prestigious learning,” he said.
Must Vice Chancellor Address Malata said Must will continue to conduct business in an unusual manner, ensuring that the university is a solution-based academic institution.
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“Our desire to contribute to the Malawi 2063 is defined by not only the extent to which we invest in our people but also how we inspire them to be innovative. This will be the surest way we can maximise the impact of their talents for the benefit of the wider society.
“We will continue to create, nurture and sustain a vibrant organisational culture, punctuated by a deep sense of commitment to equity, equality, diversity, sensitivity adaptability, inclusivity and high-level sense of responsible custodianship and stewardship,” she said.
One of the graduands Ellen Kachilonda said she is eager to make a difference using knowledge and expertise gained.
“I am excited to graduate from one of the best universities in the country. I am eager to make myself available and help in addressing some of the challenges through the knowledge gained,” she said.
The ceremony saw 417 people graduating in various fields, with 45 graduating with distinction.
