By Joel Phiri
Second Vice President Enock Chihana says government is targeting the opening of Mombera University and enrolment of the first students by the end of 2027, describing the project as a defining pillar of the current administration’s legacy.
Chihana made the remarks on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Mzimba, convened to map out strategies for realising the long-delayed construction of Mombera University—an initiative first championed by late president Bingu wa Mutharika.
The meeting drew participation from potential investors, business leaders, traditional authorities and senior government officials, with several investors pledging support towards the construction of the institution.
Chihana said government has adopted a tight implementation timetable to ensure the university is completed within the current political term.
“We have a tight schedule to complete the university, and the first intake could be by the end of 2027. The political calendar is five years, and we want this project completed within that period,” said Chihana.He acknowledged that constructing a university requires substantial financial resources, prompting government to engage investors through public-private partnerships to ensure the project becomes a reality.
The Second Vice President said Mombera University remains close to the heart of President Arthur Peter Mutharika, adding that his own appointment was partly aimed at fast-tracking the project.
“Mombera University is at the heart and soul of President Arthur Peter Mutharika. That is why he designated me to oversee this project, so that it is delivered within the agreed timeframe,” he said.
Chihana further disclosed that Cabinet has resolved that immediately after the Christmas and New Year holidays, a contractor should commence works to complete the perimeter fence around the university site.
“In addition, within 30 days, a new and updated university layout plan will be produced to guide the construction process,” he said.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Nsaka said government considers the construction of Mombera University a national priority.
“This will be a national university that will benefit all Malawians. That is why government is fully committed to ensuring it is constructed and completed,” said Nsaka.
Apart from having animal science faculties, he added that the institution will host specialised faculties such as geology and mineral exploration, which he said are critical to Malawi’s development agenda.
“We also want the university to venture into the production of vaccines and medicines so that the country benefits directly from the knowledge and innovation generated there,” Nsaka said.
Earlier, Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V urged government to translate commitments into action, noting that successive administrations had failed to complete the project.
“Because of repeated failures by previous governments, many people in Mzimba view talk about this university as empty promises. However, we are encouraged that just two months into your reign you have already convened this consultative meeting. This gives us hope,” said M’mbelwa V.He observed that in the past, construction efforts often commenced towards the end of government terms, resulting in stalled progress.
One of the investors’ who attended the meeting Vizenge Kunwenda who is NICO Holdings group managing director said investors are ready and willing to partner with government in a win win situation to construct Mombera University.
“As investors we are willing to partner government but we will have to sit with government to agree on terms as investors we bank at venturing into partnerships that assures us of win win situation”said Kumwenda.
