National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has awarded scholarships to 57 needy students across various public universities in the country, including four from Mzuzu University (Mzuni), as it continues implementing its Mo Excellence Programme.
The Bank launched the initiative at the University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) before moving to Mzuni on Friday.
Each student is receiving K1.7 million under the scholarship programme, covering tuition fees, accommodation, a laptop, health support, mentorship and a stationery allowance, while the five best-performing students at Mzuzu University are each receiving an additional K1 million.
Speaking in an interview, NBM plc Director of the board at NBM plc, Bessie Nyirenda said the Bank recognises education as key to building the skills pipeline it depends on as an employer, adding that investing in students today helps prepare the professionals who will drive Malawi’s future workforce.
“Previously, we were only supporting the best-performing students, but we realised that there are many students who are needy. The Bank therefore decided to expand the programme and increase the number of beneficiaries so that we can also support government efforts in producing graduates who will form part of the future workforce,” said Nyirenda.
She further encouraged the beneficiaries to treat the scholarship as a responsibility that demands academic consistency and commitment to excellence.
In his remarks, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Mzuzu University, Simeon Gwayi, commended NBM plc for promoting excellence in higher education.
“By rewarding high-performing students, it improves excellence and the quality of education, as we want our programmes to produce graduates with relevant skills and attitudes as they enter the job market,” said Gwayi.
For the past 40 years, the scholarship programme only recognised the top five performing students from selected public universities, including the University of Malawi, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Catholic University of Malawi and Mzuzu University.
However, it has since expanded from 35 to 100 beneficiaries, now covering both full scholarship support for students’ basic needs and additional awards for top-performing students.
“The Bank therefore decided to expand the programme and increase the number of beneficiaries.”
Bessie Nyirenda
NBM Director of the board
