In the welcoming remarks, the principal of the Polytechnic Professor Grant Kululunga expressed his gratitude for the presence of the UNIMA council Chairperson. He appreciated the support which the council leadership renders to the Polytechnic.

“One of the pillars of strategic planning is  teaching and learning which its objectives are; increasing access to higher learning, improving quality and improving management and governance,” Kululanga said.

He explained that these can only be achieved by making sure that all Malawians especially the youth have access to higher learning. 

The Vice Chancellor (VC) of UNIMA Professor John Kalenga Saka commended Polytechnic for always coming forward to invite the chair and vice chair, whenever there is an activity taking place. Professor Saka mentioned this in regards to the new infrastructures project tour which they were also invited a few weeks ago at the Polytechnic main campus in Blantyre.

The CEC Director Dr Francis Chikunkhuzeni started his presentation by acknowledging the support they have been getting from the Vice Chancellor’s office over the years. 

Dr Chikunkhuzeni briefly gave a background of how and when the CEC commenced. He then outlined the geographical location, the programs offered, number of students enrolled, the number and positions of employees working in all three CEC campuses.

 The CEC Director concluded by explaining the mission, the vision and the challenges the CEC is currently facing.

During the tour which commenced from the campus to the surrounding land which was purchased from the Lands department, the chair was accompanied by the VC, the principal, the dean of the Faculty of Education and Media studies, Dr Mary Kamwaza, the Acting registrar Yamikani Chilinde, the Estate Development Officer Blessings Hudge and other members of staff.

Speaking during a luncheon at Mzuzu Hotel after the tour, the UNIMA council chair thanked the VC for his effective leadership skills which he said; helps him be vigorous in implementing important issues.

He commended the Polytechnic and CEC team for purchasing land which gives room for expansion. He described the move of having a Mzuzu campus as important because the youth from the northern region and surrounding will have access to higher learning.

“I am very happy, like any parent who feels greatly honoured when a son or a daughter is successful. As a chair of council when institutions are doing well as you are doing, I feel very happy indeed,” Rev Gama said.

He promised to support the Polytechnic with the assistance from the Chancellor of UNIMA, the state President Professor Arthur Peter Muthalika, so that quality should never be compromised, as to the degrees offered should still be paramount and credible.