The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has ushered in a new era of leadership following the official handover from Professor Address Malata to Associate Professor Mwapatsa Mipando during the university’s 7th Congregation Graduation Ceremony in Thyolo.
Malawi’s Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Honourable Bright Msaka, expressed confidence that the university would continue to grow as a centre of excellence in science, innovation and enterprise under its new Vice Chancellor.
Msaka said the government expects MUST to deepen its contribution to national development through research, technological innovation and entrepreneurship, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting higher education institutions in producing graduates equipped to address local and global challenges.
The leadership transition marks the end of Professor Malata’s 10-year tenure, which began in 2016 and was characterised by efforts to strengthen the university’s focus on science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Chinese Ambassador to Malawi, Lu Xu, described the transition as a significant milestone, praising Professor Malata for her leadership and contribution to the institution’s growth. She noted that as Malawi’s first female university vice chancellor, Malata broke barriers in higher education while also strengthening educational ties between Malawi and China.
In her farewell remarks, Professor Malata said universities are built by people committed to making a difference, adding that the institution’s greatest legacy lies in the lives transformed through education rather than physical infrastructure alone.
She reaffirmed MUST’s commitment to producing graduates capable of solving challenges in Malawi, across Africa and globally through science, innovation and entrepreneurship.
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