Written by Chinsinsi Cheketa and Ivy Tunkete Mwanyongo:
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has challenged the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) to establish a climate science research center to boost the nation’s resilience against climate change-induced disasters.
Highlighting the series of climate change-related incidents that Malawi has experienced in recent years, Dr. Chakwera emphasized the vital role a research center would play in identifying solutions and preparing the nation for such incidents.
He was speaking Friday during the university’s 4th congregation graduation ceremony.
“One such development I look forward to, is to see this university play a proactive and leading role in the application of climate change related sciences, and this is an urgent and pressing matter for us as a nation, considering climate change induced disasters the country has recently suffered” said Chakwera.
Dr Chakwera said, by all indications, such disasters are set to continue with ever increasing intensity and severity and it will not do good for the country to sit idly by and wait to be caught unawares as it has been the case in the past.
He therefore expressed delight to note that as a leading science university, the institution is adding a valuable dimension to Malawi’s development trajectory through scientific discovery and imparting entrepreneurial skills.
“In slightly over ten years, MUST has grown into a unique future-shaping center of academic research and innovation with trailblazing capacity in progressive disciplines that resonates well with local and global development demands” added Chakwera.
According to the Malawi leader, the country’s vision 2063, is in itself a guide to academic institutions for them to produce market-ready graduates who will spur sustainable development in line with the national targets.
Over 400 students were conferred academic accolades.
