Chakwera installed as Chancellor of LUANAR

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera says will wait for the ministry of education harmonize the university act, which provides him to be the chancellor of public universities.

The president’s remarks come following his earlier promise to reduce his powers including that of being a chancellor for public universities.

Speaking during the graduation of Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources LUANAR in Lilongwe, Dr Chakwera said his acceptance of the chancellorship is not a contradiction of his previous remarks against the head of state serving as chancellor for all public universities.

“Until that is done, am duty bound to comply with the laws presently in force, including the LUANAR act No 9 of 2011, which bestows this tittle upon my office” said Chakwera.

Dr Chakwera has  challenged universities to develop critical skills for solving problems facing universities, citing the failure to offer remote learning during the COVID 19 pandemic.

In his remarks, Vice chancellor for LUANAR, Professor George Kanyama Phiri, said the university increased enrollment as a way of widening access to higher education in Malawi through the city campus and open distance learning.

He said Public universities are facing a number of challenges including little funding, covid 19, and lack of infrastructure.

Speaking in a separate interview, Political scientist says though there is no law barring the president from being Chancellor of Luanar, President Dr Chakwera would have turned down the offer.

Vincent Kondowe says, by accepting the offer, Dr Chakwera has gone against his commitment to reduce power.

Kondowe said its high time the Tonse alliance government started making necessary processes to kick start the power reduction process.