UNIMA hosts Jomo Kenyatta University visitors

International collaborations have been a prioritized objective of the University of Malawi over the years. This priority aims to expose the institution’s students and staff members to diverse knowledge from around the globe and attract international students to study at UNIMA. In line with this area of focus, The University of Malawi hosted visitors from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) on 12th January 2024 for discussions on possible collaborations.

The visit began with a campus tour, starting from the new administration offices under construction, leading to the Great Hall, lecture theatres, and science laboratories. The delegates from JKUAT marveled at the beauty of UNIMA as they gazed upon the spectacular buildings around the campus. During the tour, the visitors explored some of the science laboratories, expressing admiration for the learning and teaching equipment they encountered. Upon entering the Brown Chiphamba Laboratory, Dr. Dalitso Kafumbata, Head of Biological Sciences Department, elaborated on some of the projects they are currently undertaking.

A meeting at the University Office boardroom with the University of Malawi Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samson Sajidu, followed the campus tour. The meeting included representatives from JKUAT, led by their Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Robert Kinyua, representatives from JICA, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of UNIMA, Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise, the University of Malawi Registrar, Mr. Martin Matululu, the Deputy Registrar, Mr. Alfred Iteta Banda, Director of Student Affairs, Dr. Jonas Mwatseteza, and all the Executive Deans from the 5 UNIMA Schools, as well as heads of various science departments.

Prof. Sajidu extended his gratitude to the JKUAT delegates for visiting and considering UNIMA as a partner. He began by explaining the history of UNIMA to the delegates, outlining the progress the university has made in recent years. Prof. Sajidu also shared the bold new step UNIMA has taken by introducing the E-campus, offering 100% online bachelor’s and postgraduate programs. He emphasized the university’s commitment to inclusive education, highlighting the accommodation of students with special needs at UNIMA.

“Our desire is to enhance the student environment, aiming for 10% of UNIMA’s students to be international. Another strategic vision UNIMA has is to provide joint degrees with international universities and to develop strategies for international collaborative research,” he said.

He further mentioned some of the international universities UNIMA has collaborated with, including University of Dundee, Bath Spa University, and University of Rovuma, among others. He concluded by stating that the doors of UNIMA are wide open for international exchange, collaborations, and much more.

After the presentation, Prof. Kinyua explained that the visit aimed to explore various ways of collaborating with UNIMA, such as student exchange programs and credit transfer arrangements, among others. He further emphasized that student exchange is crucial as it enhances students’ diverse ways of thinking, knowledge acquisition, and exposure to different cultures.

The visit concluded with another discussion at the New Economics Boardroom, where the delegates from JKUAT shared an overview of their university and the various programs they offer. The UNIMA Executive Deans and Heads of Department also shared some of the programs offered by their schools and expressed areas of potential collaboration with JKUAT.