MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION PERMANENT SECRETARY, MS. KAYULA SIAME VERIFIES MULUNGUSHI UNIVERSITY’S PREPAREDNESS TO OFFER PROGRAMMES AT MASTERS AND PhD LEVELS IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION.
The Ministry of Higher Eduction (MOHE) launched the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy on 3rd December, 2020 whose objectves included Human Resource Development in STI, Commercialisation of knowledge transfer, and quality assurance among others.
Following the launch of the policy, the Permanent Secretary, Ms Kayula Siame with her entourage visited Mulungushi University to verify the preparedness of the univerisity to offer programmes at Master degree and PhD levels.
The MOHE Permeant Secretary Ms Kayula Siame (Centre), MU Vice Chancellor Professor Hellicy C. Ngámbi (Right) and Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Kawunga
Nyirenda (Left).
In her welcome remarks to the PS and her entourage, the Vice Chancellor expressed happiness for the Ministry to have visited the University. She also stated that the visit was an opportunity to share information on the achievements and challenges the University was facing in the provision of teaching and learning in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). She indicated that Mulungushi University has developed infrastructure from own funding suitable for STI and bought state of the art equipment for the programmes. She indicated that however, support is needed to attract and train more staff as well as replenishing some needed supporting teaching and learning materials.
In turn, the Permanent Secretary stated that the visit to Mulungushi University was of great importance to the Ministry. She highlighted the significance of science, technology and innovation in economic development. She stated that, “We are remaining with nine (9) years before we reach 2030. Therefore, it is important to strengthen science, technology and innovation.” In addition, the PS pointed out that Zambia is a signatory to the African Free Trade Area modus operandi. As such, for the country to benefit, there is need to build capacity in science, technology and innovation. This will help Zambia to provide innovative products and services. As a result, providing scholarship is a priority, ‘she said’. The PS also emphasized the importance of gender balance in offering scholarships and urged Mulungushi University to encourage women to take-up training in science, technology and innovation. In her concluding remarks, the PS showed concern on the need to increase the number of trainees at PhD level.
During the Meeting, the Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Professor Douglas Kunda presented the status of the University regarding the preparedness to offer programmmes at Masters and PhD levels in Science, Technology and Innovation. Professor Kunda, tabulated the laboratories that the University had invested in. He stated that the University had made significant strides in building and equipping the Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Engineering, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) laboratories, nursing and pharmacy training facilities at Kabwe town campus and modern dissecting laboratories for medical students in Livingstone.
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Professor D Kunda, Dean School of Science, Engineering and Technology |
After the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor took the Permanent Secretary and her entourage on a tour of the Science, Engineering and Technology facilities at Mulungushi University Great North Road Campus.
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Mr. Festus Mulenga, Lab Technician explains the use of equipment in the Physics Laboratory |
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Mr. Gideon Mweemba Explains the use lab equipment in Physics Laboratory |
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Mr. Stephen Munalula Explains the use lab equipment in Biology Laboratory |
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The Civil Engineering Lecturer Mr. Masheka explains the use of mechanical testing equipment |
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Dr. Agripa Hamweendo, explains the use of mechanical lab equipment |
Finally, it suffices to state that Mulungushi University is equipped to provide training at master and PhD level in Science, Engineering and Technology.