Recognizing the critical role of community participation in the successful implementation of projects, the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) engaged members of the Senior Group Mwase in Lilongwe and residents from areas surrounding the Nanjiri construction site on February 17, 2024.

The engagement involved MUBAS officials, representatives from the Malawi Police Service, the Ministry of Gender, local chiefs, and members of the local community.

Speaking after the event, Senior Group Mwase expressed his delight at the prospect of the university's expansion into the area.

“At first, it felt like a rumour - we kept hearing about a university being built somewhere. Now, it is becoming an integral part of our community,” he said.

Mwase highlighted the project's numerous benefits, including the creation of job opportunities, enhanced financial stability for families, and, most importantly, improved access to education, which he emphasised as a cornerstone for driving national development.

Bisalomu Chinyotho, one of the community leaders in Mwase Village, also expressed excitement about the project. He noted that the new campus would reduce the need for students to travel long distances for education.

“This is a huge milestone for our community. I urge everyone to act responsibly and collaborate with the University officials when construction begins,” he said.

The new campus is part of the Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) project, through which MUBAS acquired land in Nanjiri for the construction. Work on the campus is scheduled to commence soon.

The project reflects MUBAS's commitment to fostering community development and expanding access to quality education, reinforcing its role as a driver of socio-economic growth in Malawi.