The University of Malawi has initiated a new leadership and management training programme for its academic heads following the structural delinking of its constituent colleges, according to the UNIMA website. During a recent orientation session, Vice-Chancellor Professor Samson Sajidu challenged executive deans and department heads to translate their appointments into measurable institutional improvements.
In a related academic development, UNIMA's newly established School of Arts, Design and Communication is exploring academic partnerships with South Africa's North-West University. An October 19 report from the UNIMA website indicates that a visiting delegation led by Professor Herculene Kotze met with UNIMA Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise to discuss joint teaching, research, and cultural exchange. The talks specifically targeted UNIMA's new Creative Arts degree and existing music programmes.
Meanwhile, a newly published academic study investigates the rollout of technology in Malawian schools. According to research published in the UNIMA Journals on October 19 by Frank Mtemang'ombe, the study evaluates the contextual conceptualisation and planning processes behind Information and Communication Technology interventions in the primary education system. The research examines how these interventions are guided and looks at collaborations between government institutions.
Update: In ongoing university research and advocacy news, UNIMA has awarded K50 million in research funding across five teams within its School of Education. Additionally, the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources recently concluded a joint human rights workshop with the Embassy of Iceland and GRÓ GEST to train local professionals on strategies for ending violence, according to statements from both universities.