University of Malawi

University of Malawi
Established	1964;61 years ago
Vice-Chancellor	Professor Samson Sajidu
Location	Zomba , Malawi
Campus	Urban
Website

Last updated April 01, 2025

The University of Malawi (UNIMA) is a public university established in 1965 and until 4 May 2021, when the university underwent a delinking, was composed of four constituent colleges located in Zomba, Blantyre, and Lilongwe. Of the four colleges, the largest is Chancellor College in Zomba (now the University of Malawi under Vice-Chancellor Professor Samson Sajidu). It is part of the Malawian government educational system. The last Vice-Chancellor was Professor John Kalenga Saka.

History

The University of Malawi was founded a few months after Malawi Independence.^[1] The first enrollment consisted of 90 students in Blantyre.^[1] Teaching began in 1965 in Blantyre, and within two years the Institute of Public Administration at Mpemba, the Soche Hill College of Education and the Polytechnic in Blantyre, and Bunda College in Lilongwe became colleges of the university. In 1973, all the constituents of the university apart from the polytechnic and Bunda College moved to Zomba and were merged into Chancellor College. In 1979, Kamuzu College of Nursing became a college of the university, and in 1991 the College of Medicine in Blantyre was formed as a further constituent college.

Student Movements for Multi-Party Rule (1992)

During the movement toward the multiparty rule, UNIMA students participated in a protest that was organized by themselves as a part of fighting for their educational freedom.^[2] In March 1992, when Catholic Bishops in Malawi issued a Lenten Pastoral Letter that criticized Banda and his government, students of the University of Malawi at Chancellor College and the Polytechnic joined in through protests and demonstrations in support of the letter.^[2] This forced the authorities to close the campuses.^[2]

Youth for Freedom and Democracy

Youth for Freedom and Democracy (YFD) is a student political pressure group on campus. They publish the "Weekly Political Update" that is circulated to students on campus.^[3] They have been critical of Malawi's governance, and of the Paladin Energy mining company. In mid-September, Malawian police arrested several members of the group. They also arrested 21-year-old Black Moses, president of the YFD and interrogated him. A week later, 25-year-old Robert Chasowa, a fourth-year engineering student at the Malawi Polytechnic was found dead.^[4] Police ruled this a suicide but critics believe that he was murdered.

Constituent colleges and academics

Current colleges

Chancellor College, based in Zomba

Chancellor College is the largest college of the constituent colleges of the University of Malawi. It is also known as 'Chanco'. The college has five faculties: Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Science and Faculty of Education.^[5] Departments service each faculty as follows:
Education: Curriculum and Teaching Studies and Educational Foundations

Humanities: African Languages and Linguistics, Classics, English, Fine and Performing Arts, French, Language and Communication Skills, Philosophy and Theology and Religious Studies.^[5]

Science: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography and Earth Sciences, Home Economics, Physics, Mathematical Sciences.

Social Science: Economics, History, Psychology, Political and Administrative Studies and Sociology.^[5]

The Polytechnic, Blantyre Campus

The highest and most popular institution in Malawi offers various technical and vocational training based on national and regional needs.

Polytechnic has fifteen departments offering undergraduate degrees in accounting, business administration, management, civil(hons), mechanical(honors) and electrical engineering(hons), architecture and land management, environmental management, computing and information technology, journalism, language and communication, mathematics and statistics, physics and biochemical sciences, technical education and quantity surveying.^[6]

Polytechnic offers postgraduate programs in business administration, infrastructure development and transport management in response to the emerging needs of the industry and the pressure from the native baccalaureate graduates.^[6] After being delinked from the University of Malawi, The Polytechnic now operates as the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) which has recently launched the first UniPod in Malawi.

Former colleges

College of Medicine

The College of Medicine and Kamuzu College of Nursing delinked from the University of Malawi and combined to form the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) in 2019.

Kamuzu College of Nursing, based in Lilongwe

The College of Medicine and Kamuzu College of Nursing delinked from the University of Malawi and combined to form the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) in 2019.

Bunda College, Lilongwe

Bunda College of Agriculture offers BSc's, MSc's and PhD degrees in agriculture, Environmental Sciences and Development Studies.^[7] Its mission is to advance and promote knowledge,skills,self-reliance and sound character for "sustainable food production and utilization; Improving income, food security and nutrition; and Conservation and management of biodiversity, the environment and natural resources.^[8] It is situated in Lilongwe 35.2 km from the capital city center.^[7] Nearby is the college farm serving commercial, practical, academic and research purposes.^[7]

Following the restructuring of universities in Malawi in 2012 by the then President Bingu wa Mutharika, Bunda college is no longer part of the University of Malawi. Now Bunda College forms part of Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). The university has three campus, i.e. Bunda campus, the City campus and the NRC campus.

Institute of Public Administration
Soche Hill College of Education
Malawi College of Accountancy

Enrollment

The University of Malawi had 6,257 full-time students in 2007.^[1] Of those, 6226 were Malawian citizens, 26 were from SADC countries and 5 were from other, non-SADC countries.^[1]

Vice-Chancellors of the university

Professor Samson Sajidu 2022–Present
Professor John Saka 2013–2019
Professor Emmanuel Fabiano 2010–2013^[9]
Professor Zimani David Kadzamira 2005–2010^[10]
Professor David Rubadiri 2000–2005
Professor Brown Beswick Chimphamba 1992–2000
Dr John Michael Dubbey 1987–1990
Dr David Kimble 1977–1986
Professor Gordon Hunnings 1973–1977
Dr Ian Michael 1965–1973

Notable alumni

Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of Malawi
Saulos Klaus Chilima, Former Vice President of Malawi
Cassim Chilumpha, Former Vice President of Malawi
Elson Kambalu, artist
Andrew K.C. Nyirenda, Retired Chief Justice of Malawi
Winford Masanjala, Associate Professor of Economics at University of Malawi, Secretary for Economic Planning and Development
Caroline Alexander, author and journalist
Thomas John Bisika, Economist
Steve Chimombo, writer
Frank Chipasula, Author, Poet and Educator
Charles Chuka, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi
Gladys Ganda, Member of Parliament^[11]
Otria Moyo Jere, Cabinet Minister
Shemu Joyah, Film director
Ken Kandodo, Finance Minister
Paul Kishindo, Sociologist
Jane Kambalame, diplomat
Samson Kambalu, author
Lucious Grandson Kanyumba, Cabinet Minister
Ken Lipenga, Finance Minister
Jack Mapanje, Poet and Writer
Steve Dick Tennyson Matenje, UN Permanent Representative
Margaret Roka Mauwa, Cabinet Minister
Billy Abner Mayaya, human rights activist
Cuthy Mede, artist
Maxwell Mkwezalamba, African Union Commissioner
Chrissie Mughogho, diplomat
Samuel Mpasu, Speaker of the Malawi National Assembly
Cornelius Mwalwanda, Cabinet Minister
Hawa Ndilowe, diplomat
Edward Sawerengera, diplomat, Agronomist
Angela Zachepa, Member of Parliament
Paul Tiyambe Zeleza, historian
Ngeyi Kanyongolo, Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University of Malawi

References

1 2 3 4 "University of Malawi". SARUA. Retrieved 2010-12-27.
1 2 3 "Afrikka" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-12-27.
↑ "MALAWI: Police quiz academics over pressure group - University World News". www.universityworldnews.com. Retrieved 2017-12-20.
↑ "University student death ruled suicide -police | Malawi news, Malawi - NyasaTimes breaking online news source from Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
1 2 3 "University of Malawi | Chancellor College". www.chanco.unima.mw. Retrieved 2017-12-20.
1 2 "University Malawi | Polytechnic". www.poly.ac.mw. Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2017-12-20.
1 2 3 "BUNDA COLLEGE WEBSITE". buncoalumni.tripod.com. Retrieved 2017-12-20.
↑ "Bunda College of Agriculture". Archived from the original on 30 July 2004. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
↑ "University of Malawi: Vice Chancellor". University of Malawi. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
↑ "University of Malawi: Previous Chancellors". University of Malawi. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
↑ Reporter, Nyasa Times (2020-08-26). "MP Ganda elected chair of Malawi Budget and Finance Committee of Parliament - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. Retrieved 2025-01-08.

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[sarua1-1] 1 2 3 4 "University of Malawi". SARUA. Retrieved 2010-12-27.

[helsinki1-2] 1 2 3 "Afrikka" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-12-27.

[3] "MALAWI: Police quiz academics over pressure group - University World News". www.universityworldnews.com. Retrieved 2017-12-20.

[4] "University student death ruled suicide -police | Malawi news, Malawi - NyasaTimes breaking online news source from Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2022.

[autogenerated1-5] 1 2 3 "University of Malawi | Chancellor College". www.chanco.unima.mw. Retrieved 2017-12-20.

[autogenerated2-6] 1 2 "University Malawi | Polytechnic". www.poly.ac.mw. Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2017-12-20.

[autogenerated4-7] 1 2 3 "BUNDA COLLEGE WEBSITE". buncoalumni.tripod.com. Retrieved 2017-12-20.

[8] "Bunda College of Agriculture". Archived from the original on 30 July 2004. Retrieved 5 March 2018.

[unima_VC-9] "University of Malawi: Vice Chancellor". University of Malawi. Retrieved 19 July 2011.

[unima_VCs-10] "University of Malawi: Previous Chancellors". University of Malawi. Retrieved 19 July 2011.

[11] Reporter, Nyasa Times (2020-08-26). "MP Ganda elected chair of Malawi Budget and Finance Committee of Parliament - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. Retrieved 2025-01-08.

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v t e List of universities in Malawi
Public universities	Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Malawi University of Science and Technology Mzuzu University University of Malawi (College of Medicine)
Private universities	Catholic University of Malawi Malawi Adventist University Millennium University Unicaf University

v t e Association of African Universities
Algeria	Algiers 1 University Constantine 1 University Oran 1 University University of Ouargla University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene
Angola	Agostinho Neto University
Benin	University of Abomey-Calavi
Botswana	Botho University Botswana Accountancy College Botswana International University of Science and Technology Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Botswana
Burkina Faso	Nazi Boni University University of Ouagadougou
Burundi	University of Burundi
Cameroon	University of Bamenda University of Buea University of Douala University of Dschang University of Maroua University of Ngaoundéré University of Yaoundé I
Cape Verde	Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde
Central African Republic	EUCLID University of Bangui
Chad	University of N'Djamena
Republic of the Congo	Marien Ngouabi University
Cote d'Ivoire	International University of Grand-Bassam Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Democratic Republic of the Congo	Catholic University of Bukavu University of Kinshasa University of Kisangani University of Lubumbashi
Egypt	Ain Shams University Al-Azhar University Alexandria Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology Alexandria University Benha University Cairo University Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology Egyptian e-Learning University Helwan University Mansoura University Menoufia University Minya University Misr University for Science and Technology October 6 University Pharos University in Alexandria South Valley University Suez Canal University Tanta University The American University in Cairo The British University in Egypt University of Sadat City Zagazig University
Eritrea	University of Asmara
Eswatini	University of Eswatini
Ethiopia	Addis Ababa Science and Technology University Addis Ababa University Ethiopian Civil Service University Haramaya University Hawassa University Jimma University Mekelle University St. Mary's University Wollega University
Gabon	Omar Bongo University
Ghana	Accra Institute of Technology Accra Technical University African University College of Communications All Nations University Ashesi University Bluecrest University College Central University George Grant University of Mines and Technology Ghana Institute of Languages Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Koforidua Technical University Kumasi Technical University Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Methodist University College Ghana Pentecost University Presbyterian University College Radford University College Regent University College of Science and Technology Regional Maritime University University for Development Studies University of Cape Coast University of Education, Winneba University of Energy and Natural Resources University of Ghana University of Health and Allied Sciences University of Professional Studies University of Media, Arts and Communication Valley View University Wisconsin International University College Zenith University College
Kenya	African Virtual University Catholic University of Eastern Africa Daystar University Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Egerton University International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kenyatta University Maseno University Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Moi University Mount Kenya University Multimedia University of Kenya South Eastern Kenya University Strathmore University Umma University University of Eldoret University of Nairobi
Lesotho	National University of Lesotho
Liberia	Cuttington University Stella Maris Polytechnic University United Methodist University
Libya	Al Asmarya University for Islamic Sciences Al Zawiya University Misurata University Sabha University University of Benghazi University of Tripoli
Madagascar	University of Antananarivo University of Toamasina University of Toliara
Malawi	Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Malawi University of Science and Technology UNICAF University of Malawi
Mali	University of Bamako
Mauritania	University of Nouakchott Al Aasriya
Mauritius	Open University of Mauritius University of Mauritius University of Technology, Mauritius
Morocco	Mohammed First University Mohammed V University University of al-Qarawiyyin
Mozambique	Catholic University of Mozambique Eduardo Mondlane University Maputo University
Namibia	International University of Management Namibia University of Science and Technology University of Namibia
Niger	Abdou Moumouni University Higher Institute of Mining, Industry and Geology Maryam Abacha American University Niger
Nigeria	Abia State University Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Adamawa State University Ahmadu Bello University Al-Hikmah University Babcock University Bayero University Bells University of Technology Bowen University Crawford University Delta State University, Abraka Ebonyi State University Federal University of Technology, Minna Federal University of Technology, Owerri Federal University of Technology, Yola Gombe State University Kogi State University Kwara State University Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Michael Okpara University of Agriculture National Open University of Nigeria Niger Delta University Nnamdi Azikiwe University Osun State University Pan-Atlantic University Redeemer's University Rivers State University University of Abuja University of Africa University of Agriculture, Abeokuta University of Agriculture, Makurdi University of Benin University of Calabar University of Ibadan University of Ilorin University of Lagos University of Port Harcourt University of Uyo Usman Dan Fodio University
Rwanda	Université Nationale du Rwanda
Sierra Leone	Njala University University of Sierra Leone
Somalia	Benadir University East Africa University Puntland State University
South Africa	Cape Peninsula University of Technology Central University of Technology Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University North-West University Rhodes University University of Cape Town University of Fort Hare University of Johannesburg University of KwaZulu-Natal University of the Free State University of Limpopo University of Pretoria University of South Africa University of Stellenbosch University of the Western Cape University of the Witwatersrand University of Venda University of Zululand Walter Sisulu University
South Sudan	University of Juba
Sudan	El Imam El Mahdi University Omdurman Ahlia University Red Sea University University of Science and Technology
Tanzania	Ardhi University Muslim University of Morogoro Mzumbe University St. Augustine University of Tanzania The Open University of Tanzania University of Dar es Salaam Zanzibar University
The Gambia	University of the Gambia
Togo	Université de Lomé
Uganda	Busitema University Uganda Christian University Uganda Management Institute Uganda Martyrs University
Zambia	Cavendish University Copperbelt University Mulungushi University University of Zambia Zambian Open University
Zimbabwe	Africa University Bindura University of Science Education Chinhoyi University of Technology Great Zimbabwe University Harare Institute of Technology Lupane State University Midlands State University National University of Science and Technology University of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Open University

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