NEWS:

10 May, 2016


Participants pose for a group photo soon after the official launch
The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) launched its Skills Development Project (SDP), on Friday the 6th of May, 2016, at the Bingu International Conference Center in style- complimented by poetry and drama by students and the popular drama duo Winiko and Jacob. Among other things, the SDP is expected to increase access to agricultural higher education through open and distance learning (ODL).

Speaking during the project’s official launch, Deputy Minister of Education Science and Technology, Hon. Vincent Ghambi MP said his Ministry is pleased with the project as it has opened another door to increased access to higher education in the country saying this will enable more people to have access to agricultural higher education and sharpen their skills for transforming the agriculture sector and industry.

“Through the project we will see more of our young and old, school leavers, business and the working class, afford continued education and earn degrees without having to scramble for the limited bed and class room space, through open and distance learning. This is in line with the ministry’s goal of widening access to higher education,” said the Deputy Minister.

He said the project will enable LUANAR’s programmes to become more responsive to industry and market needs through enhanced interaction with the industry which is in line with Malawi’s Growth and Development Strategy.

“Furthermore, LUANAR’s capacity for quality teaching, learning and research will be enhanced through behavioural change and tailor made trainings, in line with the government’s public service reform agenda,” he said.

The Deputy Minister further urged LUANAR to pursue the goals of the SDP with prudence to achieving excellence as enshrined in its ambitious vision, which is to be a World Class University.

“We have a lot of trust in LUANAR to pursue business unusual based on key milestones already achieved and others in the offing which includes infrastructure developments, sustainable education programs such as ODL, and public-private partnerships at national level and beyond,” he said.

Speaking at the same function, LUANAR VC, Professor George Kanyama Phiri thanked government for facilitating the project with support from World Bank saying this will allow more students to access university education through open and distance learning.

“The SDP is promoting a new way of doing business in the university, as well as a relatively new way of learning. Open and distance learning allows you to continue with life commitments while studying for your desired degree,” said Professor Kanyama Phiri.

In a brief presentation, the ODL coordinator, Dr Joshua Valeta announced that LUANAR is receiving applications into its initial four ODL mature entry programmes.

Apart from LUANAR, the project is being implemented by Mzuzu University, TEVETA, The Polytechnic and Chancellor College, and is coordinated by the National Council for Higher Education at national level.

Written By: Patricia Nkhoma