University of South Malawi

University
of
South Malawi

A Private sector Initiative for

Capacity Building

Building a Nation of Achievers


University of South Malawi

NOTES
• The Shield represents security and stability
• The crank represents industry, science and technology
• The book represents knowledge
• The torch represents enlightenment
• The globe represents international relations

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 University of South Malawi

Contents

• Foreword ..........................................................................................4
• The Vision..........................................................................................5
• Aims and Objectives .........................................................................6
• Background ......................................................................................7
• The Campus .....................................................................................08
• Eligibility For Admission ..................................................................10
• General Entry Requirements............................................................11
• The University Degree Programme...................................................12
• The Administration ..........................................................................13
• Postgraduate Admission .................................................................14
• Doctoral Degree Programmes ..........................................................14
• The College Of Applied Engineering And Technology.......................15
• The School Of Medical And Health Sciences ....................................16
• The Ellen - Ryson Teaching Hospital.................................................17
• The School Of Climate And Environmental Sciences.........................18
• A Global Research Centre .................................................................20
• Relations With Other Institutions.....................................................21
• The University Project Management...............................................22
• The University Governing Council.....................................................23
• Sponsorship Of The University..........................................................25
• Contact Information.........................................................................26

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1. Foreword

I am happy to introduce THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH MALAWI

(UNISOM) an institution that offers global research and applica-
tion of science and technology for the benefit of the people of
Malawi and humanity as a whole.

This is a private University that offers new opportunities for Ma-

lawi and countries around the world to invest in intellectual and
human capital as a basis for rapid industrial growth and global
poverty reduction.

The UNISOM programmes will embrace a wide range of courses

and research facilities on subjects not available at other institu-
tions in Malawi, such as medical sciences in Cancer, Oncology,
Heart Disorders, Brain Tumours, Face and Skin Deformities, Bone
Marrow, Epidemiology and Malaria. Other research courses will
be in Applied Technology and Engineering, Environmental and
Climate Change, Industrial and Toxic Wastes Management, Vet-
erinary Sciences, Agricultural Bio-technology, Food Processing
and African Traditional Medicines.

I believe this University can, through science and technology,

meet the challenge of poverty facing Malawi; Africa and other
developing countries.

BINGU WA MUTHARIKA B.COM., M.A., PH.D

PRESIDENT AND CHANCELLOR
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH MALAWI

Building a Nation of Achievers


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2. THE VISION
The vision of the University of South Malawi is to promote increased
investment in intellectual and human capital so as to turn Malawi into a
scientific and industrial nation of achievers. T�����������������������������������
he University’s vision is premised
on the recognition that the application of Science and technology is the key
that unlocks the human capacity to control the universe and�����������������������
build the nation’s
capacity to effectively manage modern science and technology for economic
and social transformation; and to contribute towards poverty alleviation in
Malawi, Africa and globally.

UNISOM’S Administrative offices, Limbe

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University of South Malawi

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The University of South Malawi aims to assist Malawi achieve a quantum
leap in research, transmission and application of science and technology
so as to bridge the gap between Africa and the industrialized world and
to empower Malawi and other African countries to contribute positively to
global development. More specifically, UNISOM will:

• Build Malawi into a nation of achievers by providing demand

driven academic curricula that directly respond to the need
for highly trained and qualified people with hands-on re-
search expertise required in modern public and corporate governance.

• Impart specialised knowledge and research skills in a wide range of

fields including medical and health sciences, applied technology and
engineering, climate change and enviromental sciences, and African
traditional medicines.

• Create a global research centre within an African environment where
scientists, research scholars, and technology experts from all over the
world will interact and share experiences while acquiring a better
understanding of Africa’s social and economic problems.

Clearing the university campus site

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4. Background
The University of South Malawi (UNISOM) is a private university founded by
His Excellency Dr. Bingu Wa Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, to
contribute towards capacity building for social and economic advancement
of Malawi.

The UNISOM directly responds to the challenges of:

• The huge shortage of universities and institutions of higher learning,

training researchers, scientists and technologist building capacity in
medical sciences, climate change and environmental sciences, applied
engineering for industry, construction, agricultural processing, irriga-
tion, water and sanitary services. The existing universities cannot
cope with the increasing demand for scientists and technologists to
drive industrial development, processing and manufacturing to meet
the exacting demands in global markets.

• UNISOM addresses the frustration, anger, and despair of thousands

of students who graduate from high schools each year, but are un-
able to access university education because of limited capacity in the
existing institutions. This will also partly help to resolve the social
problems and juvenile delinquency among the youth.

• UNISOM creates the necessary linkage between the university curri-

cula with the capacity needs of the government and the private sector
for well trained graduates in science and technology in specialised
fields to meet the demand for modern corporate governance.

UNISOM aims to establish a new international “Centre of Excellence” that

will collaborate with other global research institutions in the Europe, North
America, South East Asia, Middle East, Japan, and other countries, for hands-
on research to benefit humanity.

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5. The Campus
The University of South Malawi Campus will comprise the following:

I. MAIN ADMINISTRATION AND TEACHING COMPLEX

This will house the following graduate schools:

- ICT Centre
- Library
- 12 Research Laboratories
- 5 large lecture theatres
- 30 classroom theatres
- A large Amphitheatre for graduation ceremonies and for
conferences

II. STUDENT HOSTELS

These will initially comprise 4 female and 4 male hostels.

III. DINING ROOMS

There will be several separate dining rooms for junior students, senior
students, doctoral research students and postdoctoral scholars, for junior
professors and for senior and visiting professors.

IV. SPORTS AND ATHLETICS COMPLEX

- Athletics Stadium/Soccer
- Gymnasiums for male and female students
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis Courts
- Basket Ball Courts
- Squash Courts
- Netball Courts

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V. STAFF HOUSES

- Chancellor
- Vice Chancellor
- Professors (10)
- Guest Houses (10)
- Other teaching staff (80)
- Administrative Staff (100)
- Other Workers (300)

VI. HOSPITAL SERVICES

- Ellen-Ryson Memorial Teaching Hospital

- Doctors/Nurses Houses

VII. RECREATION

- Staff Lounges
- Student Union
- Fraternities and Sororities
- Internet Café

VIII. PUBLICATIONS

- University Printing Press

- University Stationery and Bookshop
- News Bulletins

IX. OTHER FACILITIES

- Campus Supermarket
- Commercial Bank
- Post Office
- Restaurants/Café
- Police Station
- Bus Service

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6. Eligibility for Admission

The University of South Malawi is an equal opportunity institution that will
admit men and women of all races, including those with disabilities, who
qualify at the highest level, for admission. The students will benefit from new
breakthrough in science and technology for human advancement.

The University will also admit students from other African countries and from
all corners of the globe. It is planned that when the students graduate out
of the University, they will be able to go directly into industry having been
equipped with research and hands-on training in a variety of fields.

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 University of South Malawi

7. General Entry Requirements

Candidates seeking admission for undergraduate courses must have passed
the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE), or the General Certificate
of Education (GCE) or equivalent, and must have passed with an aggregate of
not exceeding twenty four points in the best six subjects from any reputable
and recognized Secondary or High School.

UNISOM’S office complex, Limbe

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University of South Malawi

8. The University Degree Programme

The degree programme of the University of South Malawi covers a wide range
of specialised undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and post-doctoral
degree courses in rare subjects not offered by many Universities in Africa.
The courses will be designed to meet development needs of Malawi and
other African countries and to bridge the technological gap between Africa
and the developed world.

The academic year will start in early September and end in early June of the
following year. All undergraduate courses except for diplomas will be for
four years. Masters degree courses are for two years and Ph.D programmes
are generally for one year following the postgraduate course.

The Degree Programme courses will be drawn in close consultation with

Government and private sector to ensure that the training is relevant to
the country. Upon completion of the training, the men and women will be
able to identify and find home-grown solutions to a variety of problems in
economic and social development.

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 University of South Malawi

9. The Administration
The Vice Chancellor is the Chief Executive Officer of the University. His main
mandate is to administer the academic programmes and to see that courses
are designed to meet the requirements of Government and the private sector.
He also ensures that the good reputation of the University is maintained.

The following officers work under the supervision of the Vice Chancellor:

• The Deputy Vice Chancellor

• The University Registrar
• The Financial Controller
• The Principals of Schools and Colleges
• The Internal Auditor
• The Dean of Faculties
• The Dean of Students
• Hostel Director (Female Hostels)
• Hostel Director (Male Hostels)
• The Director of Administration
• Proffessors, Lecturers and other Academic Staff
• Administrative and General Staff

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University of South Malawi

Postgraduate Admission

Candidates for a Masters Degree Course must have a Bachelor of Science

Degree with credit or distinction from the University of South Malawi or from
any other recognized Universities.

Doctoral Degree Programmes

Candidates for a Doctoral Degree programme must have a Master of Sci-

ence Degree with credit or distinction or its equivalent from the University
of South Malawi or from any other recognized Universities.

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 University of South Malawi

10. The College Of Applied

Engineering And Technology
.
The College Of Applied Engineering And Technology will offer degree
courses in the fields listed below. These courses are not offered presently in
any of the universities in malawi.

• Bachelor Of Science (BSc) in Mining and Metallurgical

Engineering
• Bachelor Of Science (BSc) in Machine Tools and Metals
Fabrication
• Bachelor Of Science (BSc) in Structural Engineering
• Bachelor Of Science (BSc) in Project Design and
Construction
• Bachelor Of Science (BSc) in Irrigation and Water Development
• Master Of Science (MSc) in Mining and Metallurgical
Engineering
• Master Of Science (MSc) in Machine Tools and Metals
Fabrication
• Master Of Science (MSc) in Structural Engineering
• Master Of Science (MSc) in Irrigation and Water Development
• Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) in Irrigation And Dams
Construction
• Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) in Mining and Metallurgical
Engineering
• Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) in Structural Engineering
• Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) in Irrigation And Water
Development
• Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) in Project Design and Construction

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University of South Malawi

11. The School Of Medical And

Health Sciences
The School of Medical and Health Sciences opens up new opportunities
in medical research and offers the following graduate and postgraduate
degree courses.

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Malaria and Other Infectious
Diseases.
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Microbiology and Parasitology
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Epidemiology and Immunology
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Pathology and Histopathology
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Pharmacology
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in African Traditional Medicines
• Master of Science (MSc) in Pathology and Histopathology
• Master of Science (MSc) in Pharmacology
• Master of Science (MSc) in African Traditional Medicines
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Radiology
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Cancer Genetics and Mutation
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemotherapy
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sickle-cell and Bone Marrow
Genetics
• Master of Science (MSc) in African Traditional Medicines
• Master of Science (MSc) in Radiology
• Master of Science (MSc) in Chemotherapy
• Master of Science (MSc) in Bone Marrow Sciences
• Doctor of Science (DSc) in Cancer Genetics and Mutation
• Doctor of Science (DSc) in Chemotherapy
• Doctor of Science (DSc) in Sickle-cell and Bone Marrow
Genetics

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 University of South Malawi

12. THE ELLEN-RYSON UNIVERSITY

TEACHING HOSPITAL
The Ellen-Ryson Memorial Teaching Hospital will provide the opportunity for
medical students to do reserch and acquire practical experience and wide
range of health and medical sciences.

ELLEN-RYSON MEMORIAL TEACHING HOSPITAL

(Artist’s Impression)

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University of South Malawi

13. The School of Climate And

Environmental Sciences
In the development process of each nation, region or continent, the
knowledge and understanding of the environment, earth and space sciences
and biodiversity is critical for economic and political governance. In many
parts of Africa, environmental degradation has assumed alarming proportions
and must be regulated effectively. There is need for highly trained men and
women to conduct extensive research in these fields.

The School of Climate and Environmental Sciences offers the following

courses:

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Industrial Reserch and Design

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Plant Genetics and Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agricultural Food Processing
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Aerial and Geological Survey
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environment and Climate Change
• Master of Science (MSc) in Plant Genetics and Biotechnology
• Master of Science (MSc) in Environment and Climate Change
• Master of Science (MSc) in Agricultural Food Processing
• Master of Science (MSc) in Aerial and Geological Surveys
• Master of Science (MSc) in Earth and Space Sciences
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Industrial Reserch and Design
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Food Processing
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Plant Genetics and
Biotechnology
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environment and Climate
Change

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 University of South Malawi

One of the student’s hostels (Artist’s impression)

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University of South Malawi

14. A Global Research Centre

Africa does not have enough high level and reputable international research
centres to develop, evaluate and transmit science and technology for enhancing
quality life. This University is located in a rural setting away from industrial and
urban pollution. This offers a unique environment to international scholars to
conduct research in a quiet environment. Specifically, other advantages for
research are as follows:

• The University focuses on practical application of knowledge,and

provides oportunity for international research collaboration in the
development, adaptation and application of science and technology
in poverty reduction in rural areas.

• Malawi has a young and vibrant population that is hardworking and

ready to learn and adapt to stimulants from research and technological
innovations. More importantly, salaries and wages for labour in Malawi
are relatively low. These factors will allow international research to be
undertaken at relatively lower costs than in most parts of the world.

• Malawi has a highlands climate with moderate to cool temperatures

most of the year. Low humidity makes its location suitable for computer
and electronics components manufacture and for research in other
aspects of science and technology.

• An inland port is being developed in Malawi that wiII have access to the
Indian Ocean through the Shire Zambezi Waterway. This will reduce the
cost of imports snd exports by as much as 60 percent.

• Furthermore , Malawi is being connected to an international information

highway that will facilitate and ease communications with other research
institutions around the globe.

Another advantage is that the railway line linking Malawi with South Africa
through Mozambique and Zimbabwe, passes right through the University
campus. This link will ease the acquisition and transportation of bulky and heavy
equipment for the University’s research and technology laboratories.

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 University of South Malawi

15. Relations With Other Institutions

The University of South Malawi is an international collaborative effort. In

order to make the research programmes viable, strong relations are being
developed with other universities and research institutions around the
world.

Formal relations are being developed with similar well-established institutions

in countries such as Peoples Republic of China, India, Japan, the United
States of America, the United Kingdom, Latin America, the European Union,
Scotland and South Africa. These arrangements are essential in the design of
appropriate academic programmes that meet international standards.

Each constituent college or school at this University will also be twinned with
other sister colleges around the world that specialise in the courses offered
at the University. This will provide the students wide exposure to the latest
global developments in research and technology transfers.

UNISOM is applying for membership in university associations around the

world such as the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Association
of African Universities, African Network of Scientific and Technological
Institutions, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisations.

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University of South Malawi

16. THE UNIVERSITY project

Management committee
The University Project Management Committee has been established to
supervise the planning, designing, construction and implementation of the
project.

The following eminent personalities have agreed to serve on the Board

Committee:

• H.E. DR. BINGU WA MUTHARIKA, PhD

President of the Republic of Malawi
Chairman and Founder
Chancellor of the University of Malawi
Chancellor of the University of Mzuzu

• H.E. LIN SONGTIAN

Ambassador
Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China
Lilongwe

• DR. MERIA NOWA PHIRI, PhD

Project Coordinator
University of South Malawi

• MR S.O.NGOMA
Architect
Ministry of Transport and Public Infrastructure
Government of The Republic of Malawi

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 University of South Malawi

17. UNIVERSITY GOVERNING COUNCIL

The University Governing Council (UGC) has been established to be
responsible for the management and administration of the University. It
will also have the following functions:

• To design policies and academic programmes and to ensure that

courses offerd are relevant to the development needs of Malawi
and Africa.
• To provide guidelines and control of the University curricula and to
ensure that discipline and good conduct are observed by both staff
and students.
• To carry out such other functions as the Board of Trustees may
decide.

The members of the UGC comprise the following high level eminent persons
from many parts of the world:

• PROF. GEOFF OLDHAM (Chairman)

Former Director of the Science Policy Research Unit at
Sussex University
United Kingdom

• PROF. A. PETER MUTHARIKA, JSD. MP (Vice Chairman)

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
Government of The Republic of Malawi
Lilongwe
Malawi

• DR. GEORGE CHAPONDA, JSD. MP

Minister of Education, Science and Technology
Government of The Republic of Malawi
Lilongwe
Malawi

• PROF. JEFFREY D. SACHS
Director, Earth Institute
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University of South Malawi

Professor of Health, Policy and Management

Columbia University
United States of America
Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary General

• PROF LEWIS K. MUGHOGHO, PhD

Member of the AU/NEPAD High-Level Panel on Biotechnology
Chair of IDESA, Malawi Award Scheme

• DR. MATTHEW P.K.J. THEU, PhD

Chief Scientist for Plant Pathology
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
Government of Malawi

• DR. ELIZABETH MARGARET MOLYNEUX, MBBS, MRCS, LRCP

UNESCO, Malawi

• SIR (DR.) ANTHONY D. HARRIES, MD, MRCP, FRCP, DTM, OBE

Ministry of Health
Government of Malawi

• PROF CALESTOUS JUMA, PhD

Professor of the Practice of International Development
Director of Science Technology and Globalization Project
J.F. Kennedy School of Government
Havard University
Cambridge, Massachussetts
United States of America

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 University of South Malawi

18. Sponsorship Of the University

The University of South Malawi has been established under the sponsorship
of the Bineth Trust. This is a non-governmental and non-profit educational
organisation registered under the laws of Malawi. There is a Board of Trustees
that formulates the policy and operational guidelines of the University.

The Bineth Trust is funded through its farms growing food and other cash
crops, as well as cattle and goat ranching. When opened , the farms will be
producing enough food and meat to feed the students at the University.

UNISOM will also raise other incomes from printing jobs at the University
Press, sale of books, magazines and stationery, fuel from the filling station,
internet café, coffee shop, laundry-o-mat, supermarket, and rentals of
its buildings to private operators, such as the post office and commercial
banks.

It also receives grants and donations from individuals, institutions,

coorporations and governments throughout the world.

A Dam at the University site

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University of South Malawi

CONTACT INFORMATION

THE EXECUTIVE CO-ORDINATOR

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH MALAWI
P.O. BOX 5197
LIMBE
MALAWI (AFRICA)

TELEPHONES:
+265-01847559
+265-01848022

FASCIMILE:
+265-01847565

E-mail: unisom@email.com
Website: www.unisom.com

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 University of South Malawi

THE UNIVERSITY
OF SOUTH MALAWI
Success
Integrity
Leadership

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