Africa-Press – Malawi. Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) Vice Chancellor Address Malata has appealed to government and well-wishers to come in and support the institution in addressing some of the challenges the students are facing.
Malata said the institution on Saturday, March 12, 2022 invited Parliamentary Committee on Education to visit the University to appreciate its challenges for more resources in the national budget.
During the visit, the committee was briefed about the institution’s salary deficit of MK1.5 billion, lack purpose built laboratories, lecture theatres, staff houses and inadequate students’ accommodation, among other things.
The Legislators were also briefed on the University’s plans such us operationalization of an industrial park which is currently under construction but will need resources to buy equipment.
“On the purpose built lab, we have been given MK1 billion out of the MK14 billion needed. On students’ accommodation, Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) identified for us has not showed up and already we have had to improvise by turning an ex-contractors camp into hostels where around 14 students are sharing a room .
“Even our original hostels, we have increased the capacity from two students per room to four. Our staff members continue to commute on daily basis from town due to lack of staff houses on campus,” said Malata.
To appreciate for themselves the dire situation on campus, the committee toured the University teaching hospital, industrial camp, and the improvised hostels, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the chairperson of Parliamentary Committee on Education George Chaponda said the committee was saddened with the University’s situation and that they will do everything possible to lobby for more resources.
“The most important thing is that you have not folded your hands in frustrations, you are doing something. There are plans on the ground to address some of these challenges and we can assure you of our support,” says Chaponda.
The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) was established by an Act of Parliament Number 31 of 2012 with the aim of promoting the development, adaptation, transfer and application of science, technology and innovation for macro- and micro-economic development of Malawi.
It’s vision is “a world class centre of science and technology education, research and entrepreneurship” which is being realised through the provision of a conducive environment for quality education, training, research, and entrepreneurship, and outreach activities.
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