By Suleman Chitera
The Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Bright Msaka, has described the resumption of construction works at Mombera University in Mzimba District as a landmark achievement under the current administration, saying the project will make a meaningful contribution to Malawi’s education development.
Msaka made the remarks on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Sandton Hall Motel in Mzimba District, where he stressed the need for all parties involved to diligently fulfill their responsibilities to ensure the long-delayed project is successfully completed.
He noted that construction of the university had stalled for years due to funding challenges, irregularities in the awarding of contracts, and shifting political priorities. However, Msaka said the project is now back on track and will include the Faculty of Animal Sciences, aligning with government plans to expand access to higher education and skills development in Malawi.
Traditional leader Inkosi Ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V also addressed the meeting, urging project implementers to take their work seriously. He warned against allowing political discourse to derail progress, noting that such divisions have contributed to years of stagnation at the construction site.
Adding assurance, the Second Vice President, Enock Chihana, told stakeholders and residents that the project is set to succeed. He said contractors are expected to resume full construction works by early January 2026, with the university targeting its first-ever student enrolment by the end of 2027.
Mombera University was initially proposed in 2008 by the late former president Bingu wa Mutharika, with a foundation stone laid in March 2015. Despite this early start, the project recorded minimal progress for nearly a decade, making the current resumption a significant milestone for the education sector and the people of Mzimba District.
