Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa-Wirima has unveiled exciting plans for the grand opening of Inkosi Ya Makhosi M’belwa University in Mzimba, scheduled for August 2025, welcoming an initial cohort of 500 students.
Wirima revealed that the university, formerly known as Mombera, will be a multifaceted institution housing schools of basic sciences, veterinary medicine, and animal science.
During a captivating address on Monday while inspecting the construction site in Mzimba, Wirima shared that the first phase of the ongoing construction endeavor is slated for completion in June 2025. This phase encompasses the development of the school of basic sciences and its complementary infrastructure, including administration blocks, hostels, staff residences, a cafeteria, auditorium, multipurpose hall, sports facilities, clinic, commercial complex, and waste management systems. The visionary project aims to establish a vibrant academic hub that transcends traditional boundaries.
‘‘The university’s construction works will be done in phases till its total completion in 2027. The first phase includes construction of two hostels. These are female and male hostels and will take 18 months. The companies constructing these hostels, Dec Construction company and Paramount Holdings Limited, are expected to complete the construction by June 2025,’’ said Wirima.
Wirima said government is committed and serious to see the construction works of the K190 billion first phase completed so that the first cohort of students starts learning next year.
The cost for the entire university construction, expected to complete in 2027, is pegged at K450 billion and the university will have an enrolment capacity of 10,000 students, according to Wirima.
She said government will ensure funds are made available to ensure works are not interrupted.
Wirima further said that construction and completion of the university will help government in absorbing huge volumes of students looking for university education opportunities.
Managing Director for Paramount Holdings Limited, Prakash Ghedia, said they are geared up for the works and assured the minister the construction works will be done to perfection by the deadline of June 2025.
District Commissioner for Mzimba, Rodney Simwaka, said the council is excited with the resumption of the construction works of the university, as it will help offer jobs to young people and also create business opportunities for people based in Mzimba.
