Mr Allan Nila Chongwe
Lecturer
achongwe@must.ac.mw
Allan Nila Chongwe, an esteemed professional in Computer Science and Information Technology, currently holds the position of Lecturer at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) within the Computer Science and Information Technology Department. With a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set, Allan has significantly contributed to both academia and the technological landscape.
Academic Journey
Allan embarked on his academic pursuits with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with Distinction from the University of Malawi, The Polytechnic (now MUBAS). He furthered his education by earning a Master of Science in Computer Science from the African University of Science and Technology in Abuja, Nigeria, with a CGPA of 3.60 out of 4.0. Additionally, Allan holds Advanced and Diploma certifications in Information Processing from City & Guilds.
Pre-Academic Professional Experience
Before entering academia, Allan served as an Assistant Systems Developer at UNIMA ICT for eight years, honing his skills and contributing to various impactful projects.
Teaching and Curriculum Development
As a seasoned educator, Allan has made significant contributions to the field. His roles include delivering lectures, seminars, and tutorials to undergraduate students, engaging in curriculum development, advising and mentoring students, and handling administrative tasks. His innovative teaching methods and technological integration have enhanced the learning experience for students.
Technical Proficiency
Allan possesses a diverse range of technical skills, including over a decade of experience in SQL programming, web application development (with expertise in PHP and Laravel), scripting languages like Bash, and server administration. His proficiency extends to security platforms, including Kali Linux and ParrotOS, showcasing his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
Professional Engagement and Projects
Allan actively engages in pro-bono consultancy work, such as the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) project, contributing to the public university selection system in Malawi. Notable projects include the development of the Student Financing Management Information System (SFMIS) for the Higher Education Students Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) and the Postgraduates Students Assessment and Information Management System (PG SARIS) for MUST.
Leadership in Education and Cybersecurity
Allan's leadership in cybersecurity education is highlighted by his exceptional coaching achievements in regional competitions. Notable victories include leading teams to success in the Atlantic Council's Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge and ISACA-organized competitions:
• August 2023: Successfully led a team of four students in a regional cybersecurity challenge organized by the Atlantic Council and the University of Cape Town, securing the first position in the competition.
• March 2023: Demonstrated exceptional leadership as a coach in the 11th annual Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge organized by the Atlantic Council and American University’s Washington College of Law. The team not only triumphed in the competition but also earned the prestigious Best Decision Document award.
• September 2022: Led twelve students, divided into three teams, to remarkable success in a regional cybersecurity challenge organized by the Atlantic Council and the University of Cape Town. The teams secured positions 1, 2, and 4, winning three out of the four awards.
• October 2021: Headed a team of four students in a regional cybersecurity challenge organized by ISACA and the University of Cape Town, emerging as the overall best team and securing two of the four awards.
These outstanding coaching achievements underscore Allan's dedication to fostering cybersecurity expertise among students. His leadership not only nurtures technical skills but also cultivates strategic thinking and decision-making abilities in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.
2014-2031 National ICT Master Plan Participation
Actively participating in the development of the National ICT Master Plan, Allan contributed to shaping this crucial national initiative. His involvement in advisory roles, focus groups, and review panels underscores his commitment to advancing Malawi's ICT landscape.
Areas of Interest and Achievements
Allan's primary interest lies in information security, evident in his involvement in regional cybersecurity challenges and innovative projects. His dedication to fostering technological solutions for real-world challenges is evident in his leadership and mentorship, driving innovation and excellence within the academic community and beyond.
Academic Journey
Allan embarked on his academic pursuits with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with Distinction from the University of Malawi, The Polytechnic (now MUBAS). He furthered his education by earning a Master of Science in Computer Science from the African University of Science and Technology in Abuja, Nigeria, with a CGPA of 3.60 out of 4.0. Additionally, Allan holds Advanced and Diploma certifications in Information Processing from City & Guilds.
Pre-Academic Professional Experience
Before entering academia, Allan served as an Assistant Systems Developer at UNIMA ICT for eight years, honing his skills and contributing to various impactful projects.
Teaching and Curriculum Development
As a seasoned educator, Allan has made significant contributions to the field. His roles include delivering lectures, seminars, and tutorials to undergraduate students, engaging in curriculum development, advising and mentoring students, and handling administrative tasks. His innovative teaching methods and technological integration have enhanced the learning experience for students.
Technical Proficiency
Allan possesses a diverse range of technical skills, including over a decade of experience in SQL programming, web application development (with expertise in PHP and Laravel), scripting languages like Bash, and server administration. His proficiency extends to security platforms, including Kali Linux and ParrotOS, showcasing his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
Professional Engagement and Projects
Allan actively engages in pro-bono consultancy work, such as the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) project, contributing to the public university selection system in Malawi. Notable projects include the development of the Student Financing Management Information System (SFMIS) for the Higher Education Students Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) and the Postgraduates Students Assessment and Information Management System (PG SARIS) for MUST.
Leadership in Education and Cybersecurity
Allan's leadership in cybersecurity education is highlighted by his exceptional coaching achievements in regional competitions. Notable victories include leading teams to success in the Atlantic Council's Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge and ISACA-organized competitions:
• August 2023: Successfully led a team of four students in a regional cybersecurity challenge organized by the Atlantic Council and the University of Cape Town, securing the first position in the competition.
• March 2023: Demonstrated exceptional leadership as a coach in the 11th annual Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge organized by the Atlantic Council and American University’s Washington College of Law. The team not only triumphed in the competition but also earned the prestigious Best Decision Document award.
• September 2022: Led twelve students, divided into three teams, to remarkable success in a regional cybersecurity challenge organized by the Atlantic Council and the University of Cape Town. The teams secured positions 1, 2, and 4, winning three out of the four awards.
• October 2021: Headed a team of four students in a regional cybersecurity challenge organized by ISACA and the University of Cape Town, emerging as the overall best team and securing two of the four awards.
These outstanding coaching achievements underscore Allan's dedication to fostering cybersecurity expertise among students. His leadership not only nurtures technical skills but also cultivates strategic thinking and decision-making abilities in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.
2014-2031 National ICT Master Plan Participation
Actively participating in the development of the National ICT Master Plan, Allan contributed to shaping this crucial national initiative. His involvement in advisory roles, focus groups, and review panels underscores his commitment to advancing Malawi's ICT landscape.
Areas of Interest and Achievements
Allan's primary interest lies in information security, evident in his involvement in regional cybersecurity challenges and innovative projects. His dedication to fostering technological solutions for real-world challenges is evident in his leadership and mentorship, driving innovation and excellence within the academic community and beyond.