The Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Jessie Kabwila, has called on Malawi’s universities to focus on producing graduates equipped with skills that meet market demands, a crucial step towards achieving the Malawi 2063 agenda.

Dr. Kabwila made the remarks on Wednesday during her visits to Domasi College of Education, Malawi College of Accountancy, the University of Malawi (UNIMA) , and the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS).

At MUBAS, she praised the institution’s innovations, particularly the hand-held tractor developed at the Agriculture Mechanisation Unit, which she personally tested. “The advancements here are remarkable. This shows that Malawian universities can compete internationally,” she said.

Dr. Kabwila was equally impressed with UNIMA’s developments, including a nearly completed administration complex and four 500-seat lecture halls under construction. She emphasized the importance of innovation in moving Malawi to an upper-middle-income economy by 2063.

However, she expressed concerns over substandard universities and inadequate student accommodation. She warned against the proliferation of fake universities and degree-buying schemes, adding, “The upcoming Higher Education Bill will clean up the system.”

The Minister stressed the need for Malawian degrees to be globally competitive, enabling graduates to secure international jobs. She also commended universities for embracing Open Distance Learning, which increases access to education.

Vice-chancellors and principals from the institutions pledged to uphold high standards and foster innovation. Dr. Kabwila is set to visit MUST, the Catholic University, and Kamuzu College of Health Sciences today.