By Prisca Promise Mashushu
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera who is also the Chancellor of Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has urged fresh graduates to bring a positive impact in the economic development of the country through agriculture and science in line with the Malawi 2063 agenda.
The President made the sentiments on Thursday, during the eighth Luanar congregation that took place at LUANAR Bunda campus in Lilongwe.
He said the fresh graduates have been honoured to make long lasting impacts in the economic development of the country due to their perseverance, dedication and determination to achieve their goals.
He emphasized that LUANAR is no ordinary institution and does not produce ordinary graduates due to its high quality and excellent education that is offered each and every year to students in various faculties.
“As the chancellor of the university, I would like to encourage the graduates to refuse to participate in any activities that can destroy the economic sector of the nation but rather encourage them to show their full potential that can help to boost the economic sector through agriculture.
“LUANAR is known for its commitment in creation of knowledge, skills and innovations hence the outgoing students should build systems that can help to promote different sectors of the government through agriculture,” Chakwera said.
Vice Chancellor for LUANAR, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda said the newly graduated individuals have been equipped to conquer challenges of Malawi by offering long lasting solutions towards the country’s development.
He also said the 8th congregation represent a significant investment in human capital resources with endless possibilities in transforming Malawi in agriculture and other economic growth.
“As newly graduates, you must know that you carry not only knowledge but also potential impact to transform Malawi into a self-reliant nation in line with achieving Malawi 2063 values.
As you step out into the world, don’t underestimate yourself; instead, keep pushing forward until you achieve your goals,” Kaunda encouraged.
Concurring with Kaunda’s sentiments, Professor Zachary Kasomekera, who is LUANAR Council Chairperson explained that LUANAR saves as a ground platform for innovative ideas to be actualised with high quality resources and support to its students.
“Graduates are encouraged to focus on investing in agriculture natural resources for human capital development.
“The outgoing students should act as a bridge between government and the university in guiding Malawi to fulfil its Malawi 2063 values,” he explained.
He has however advised the graduates to work hard and transform others by knowing their values in order to help in achieving the MW 2063 Pillar of agricultural productivity.
Upon arrival the President was welcomed by Minister of Agriculture Sam Dalitso Kawale, LUANAR Council Chair Prof. Zachary Kasomekera, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Emmanuel Kaunda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr. Agnes Mwangwela, University Registrar Dr. Phillip Kaonda, and other senior government officials.
The graduation is celebrated under the theme “Investment in Agricultural and Natural Resource Human Capital Development: Paving the Way for Malawi’s Social and Economic Transformation.”
