Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Bright Msaka, SC, on August 6, 2026 challenged graduating students at MUST to go beyond resilience and become innovative.

He spoke during MUST's 7th Congregation in Thyolo where he was a guest of honour.

Held under the theme: “Innovation for Resilience: Science and Technology for an Industrialized Malawi", the ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including representatives from both public and private sectors, the Chinese Embassy, university staff, and parents and guardians. 

During the ceremony, where 746 students graduated with undergraduate and postgraduate certificates, including two PhDs, Msaka said true impact comes from applying one's skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems, which is the core of innovation.

"Your degree gives you knowledge; innovation is what you do with it," he said.

He urged graduates to be innovative entrepreneurs who transform their communities. 

Msaka challenged them to be job creators rather than job seekers, reminding them that "the future is something we build, rather than something we enter."

The minister also commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Address Malata, for her decade of transformative leadership. 

He credited her with expanding academic programmes, fostering strategic partnerships, driving research, and developing robust campus infrastructure.

"You built the foundation, expanded access, and raised the flag of this university high," he said. 

"On behalf of the government, we say thank you for your service to higher education and to the nation."

The minister also congratulated Vice Chancellor Designate, Associate Professor Mwapatsa Mipando, saying he is taking the reins at a pivotal time when government expects MUST to lead the nation in academic quality, relevance, and impact.

"We will support you, but we will also hold this institution accountable for results. We charge you to expand research that solves Malawi's problems, strengthen industry partnerships, and ensure no qualified student is left behind," said the minister. 

Addressing the congregation, Professor Address Malata, the outgoing Vice Chancellor, thanked the government, university council, staff, students, and her family for their unwavering confidence in her. 

MUST Council Chairperson, Mr Noel Mkulichi hailed Msaka for his presence, saying it signalled three key milestones: honouring the graduates' accomplishments, transferring institutional leadership, and celebrating the university's first PhD graduates.

"We thank the government for its commitment to education," Mr Mkulichi said. 

"As a Council, we remain committed to providing strategic direction and ensuring accountability so that public resources deliver tangible results for both our students and Malawi," he said.

"Congratulations to all of our graduates. The world needs your abilities, so please carry forward this university's core values of integrity, resilience, innovation, and, most importantly, being umunthu-centric. You are the transformation we have been preparing."