President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has asked the University of Malawi (UNIMA) Council to review the UNIMA Act of 1998 to meet the emerging challenges.

Mutharika made the call on Wednesday at Chancellor college in Zomba where he was installed as new Chancellor of University of Malawi.

“I would like to ask the Council of UNIMA to ensure that the UNIMA Act of 1998 (Amended) is reviewed to meet the emerging challenges and the archaic and orthodox systems are done away with; and the University is managed as a business entity delivering quality goods and services as required and expected by the various clients in the economy.

“My Government would like to see that this process is managed differently from what obtained in the past. Let us work towards concluding this review including submission to parliament before the end of 2015”, said Mutharika.

Mutharika further said time has come for the Council of UNIMA and his government to work together so that the University enhances resource mobilization initiatives.

“I would like to urge the University to double its efforts in mobilising resources. We must develop a resource mobilization and sustainability plan which is supported by efficient and effective systems for reducing wastage and all are accountable.

“The University should proactively engage with the private sector to support chairs in various disciplines such as insurance banking, law, economics, physics, communication, and geology/mining”, said Mutharika.

During the ceremony, President Mutharika awarded Postgraduate diplomas and degrees to 397 graduates.