The Council of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) on June 1, 2026 announced the appointment of Associate Professor Mwapatsa Humble Christopher Mipando, PhD, as Vice-Chancellor of the university. 

According to Council chairperson, Mr Noel Mkulichi, the appointment was made by His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi and Chancellor of MUST, following a rigorous and competitive recruitment process conducted in accordance with the University’s statutory and governance provisions. 

He added that Dr Mipando was expected to assume office on August 9, 2026.

According to the announcement, Associate Professor Mipando is a distinguished academic and higher education leader with more than 29 years of experience in university teaching, research, academic leadership, strategic planning, international engagement and resource mobilisation. 

“He holds a PhD in Health Sciences (Physiology) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, an MSc in Physiology from the University of Liverpool, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Malawi. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at MUST, and as Dean for Global Engagement responsible for Africa at the University of Glasgow,” read the announcement in part.

“Throughout his career, he has held several senior leadership positions, including Head of Department, Dean of Students, Dean of Faculty, Vice Principal and Principal of the former College of Medicine of the University of Malawi. He played a key role in institutional reform, research strengthening, stakeholder engagement and resource mobilisation, and contributed to the transformation process that led to the establishment of Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS).”

It adds that Dr Mipando is an International Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, recognised for strengthening academic and development partnerships between Scotland and Malawi.  

“He has sat on several international advisory committees and local statutory boards. His research interest is in Cardiovascular System, and Health Profession Education. Prior to assuming office, Dr Mipando will work closely with the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Address Malata, to ensure a smooth leadership transition and continuity in the implementation of the University’s strategic priorities,” added the statement.

“The Council also expresses its sincere appreciation to Professor Malata, whose tenure as Vice-Chancellor concludes on August 8, 2026 after ten years of transformative leadership. Under her stewardship, MUST has expanded its academic programmes, strengthened research and innovation, increased student enrolment, and enhanced its standing as a leading science and technology university.”

The Council expressed its confidence in Dr Mipando, saying he will build on a strong foundation already available at MUST and further advance the university’s contribution to science, technology, innovation and national development in line with the MUST’s Strategic Plan 2024–2030 and Malawi 2063.