Dedza Mulunduni Member of Parliament Moses Kunkuyu has pressed government to consider honouring the late democratic icon Chakufwa Thom Chihana by naming the main library at Mzuzu University after him. He made the proposal on Tuesday during a question session to the Minister of Education, Bright Msaka, in the National Assembly.
Kunkuyu argued that Chihana’s contribution to Malawi’s multiparty democracy and his influence in the northern region make him a fitting figure to be recognised at one of the country’s major public universities. He said naming the Mzuzu University library after Chihana would be a meaningful way to preserve his legacy for future generations.
The MP further questioned why the former second-in-command of the country, Enock Chihana—son of the late Chakufwa Chihana—has been restricted to inspecting only one government project, the construction of Mombera University (also known as Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa University). According to Kunkuyu, there are several other unfinished or ongoing development projects across the country that the former state vice president could be entrusted to monitor.
“There are many projects that remain incomplete—projects that government could consider assigning to Honourable Enock Chihana,” Kunkuyu said. “We must acknowledge his experience, and we must be fair in how we distribute responsibilities affecting national development.”
The MP told the House that Chihana’s involvement in broader oversight could help accelerate some delayed projects, especially those under the University of Malawi and higher education sector.
In response, Minister Msaka assured Parliament that government is open to discussing proposals aimed at preserving national heritage and improving accountability in project supervision. He emphasised that any decision on naming public infrastructure must follow formal consultations and established government procedures.
Kunkuyu’s call has already generated discussion among legislators and civil society groups who see it as an opportunity to recognise a key figure in Malawi’s democratic history. Chakufwa Thom Chihana, founder of the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), is remembered as one of the leading voices who fought for the end of one-party rule and the birth of multiparty democracy in 1993.
As debate continues, the Ministry of Education is expected to consider the proposal alongside other recommendations submitted to enhance cultural preservation and transparency in project management across the country’s higher education institutions.
