Shareworld Open University set to introduce new postgraduate programs in 2027

Shareworld Open University is set to introduce three new postgraduate programs and two undergraduate programs in 2027.

Vice Chancellor for the university Dr. Theodora Mapemba Musamba disclosed this during the 16th Graduation Ceremony held on Saturday under the theme: Igniting Minds, Building Leaders, transforming futures.

“I’m proud to announce that we will shortly introduce the Bachelor of Business Education and Bachelor of Sports Management. We believe that offering more programmes which are relevant will increase access to higher education,” she said.

Musamba said, as a university that is serious about the nation’s future, it will not stop at offering first degree as Malawi 2063 depends on research, innovation, and advanced expertise, which are built at the postgraduate level.

“Many of our graduates and many professionals across the country are asking where they can deepen their knowledge without leaving Malawi. They deserve an answer. I’m pleased to report that Shareworld Open University has taken a deliberate step towards that answer. The university has developed three postgraduate programmes, Master of Public Health, Master of Business Administration, Master in Managing Rural Community Development,” she added.

Musamba disclosed that the programmes have been submitted to the National Council for Higher Education for assessment for launch in 2027.

“Our purpose is to offer postgraduate programmes that are rooted in Malawian realities, that produce the state, that solve Malawian problems ,” she explained.

During the event, the university awarded Diplomas and Bachelor Degrees to 144 graduands of whom 53 percent were women.

Musamba said the graduands have been well prepared with real life skills, character and digital skills.

“That’s where Shareworld Open University steps up. Our courses are specifically designed to fuel the economy, solve real world problems, and help our students build a self-reliant nation. This goes hand in hand with our promise to build the hands and minds that will drive this country forward.

On building good character, she underscored thar Malawi cannot be built on skills alone.

“It needs integrity, discipline, and patriotism. It needs people who will refuse a bribe, deliver what they promise, and treat public resources as a trust. Competence without character is dangerous, and character without confidence is not enough. Our dear graduates, we ask you to carry on,” said Musamba adding that the university focuses on nurturing minds and empowering individuals with essential skills, providing an environment that supports personal and academic growth.

Musamba further urged employers and business leaders to partner with the university by sending their team to the institution and stay ahead of the curve as the programmes are built hand-in-hand with industry demands, to make sure the workforce remains sharp and competitive.

The vice chancellor also assured graduates to step out into the world with total confidence but cautioned them not to wait for employment.

“The economy you are entering is hard, jobs are scarce, inflation bites, and foreign exchange is tight. Many of you will not immediately find a job you dreamed of. My advice is this, do not wait to be employed before you begin to contribute. Start small. Be useful where you are. Start a business, offer a service, or volunteer your skills. The Malawi we dream of will not be handed down from above. It will be built by thousands of graduates, each doing one thing well,” she said.

Guest of honor for the event, Caroline Moto Chiphinga Mwale, Deputy Director Higher Education in the Ministry of Education hailed the institution for adhering to standards beyond regulations.

“We need to produce graduates that are well-trained. So for that to happen, we need to have quality assurance processes in place. So for the private universities, as well as public universities, that’s very important because it determines the quality of graduates that you’re producing for the country. And in this particular case, the graduates that we’re looking for, they’re the ones who should be able to help Malawi out of the challenges that we’re currently facing,” she explained.

Currently, needy students from private universities, get 50% of higer education loans and grants.

In response to the call from Musamba lobbying the government to increase the loan access from the Loans Board to 100%, Mwale said the call is very welcome and it’s understandable because the students that are going to private universities are also Malawian students.

“At the same time, once they complete, they’ll save the Malawi nation. So we’ll still continue working together with them, just like we started to support our needy students in private institutions. We will continue working together with them because they are Malawian students. At the same time, they’re saving the Malawi community and the needs of the Malawi 2063,” explained Mwale later in an interview.

Mwale also urged the fresh graduates to understand the needs of the people they serve, continue to develop their skills and explore viable opportunities for enterprise.

“Malawi’s transformation requires productive businesses, effective public services, and professionals who can generate greater value from available resources. Whatever your profession, apply your knowledge to improve productivity, create opportunities, and contribute to sustainable national development,” she said.

The day at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC),was filled with jubilation which ignited tears of joy from both parents and graduands.

Malawi Voice captured the emotional moment a mother was in tears while hugging her daughter who just been awarded a degree.

“These are tears of joy,” said the mother and sobed while reaching out for a tissue in her purse.

She wiped her tears then continued, “She is my second born daughter and seeing her graduating today reminds me of the death of her father when she was just 2 years old. I’ve raised her and it hasn’t been easy, so, I truly thank God for this day.”

Another female graduand was seen sobbing as she walked her way to the podium to get her hard earned degree which she had worked for so long to get.