A VISIONARY PARTNERSHIP FOR QUALITY LEARNING UNIMA SIGNS MOU WITH ASTRIA LEARNING

On July 27th, 2023, the University of Malawi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Astria Learning, a United States of America-based EdTech organisation. The primary goal of this MoU is to provide easy access to education, whereby the University of Malawi will be delivering short courses, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, through the Astria Learning platforms. An eCampus will be created to host all content related to the online programmes in partnership with Astria Learning. Astria Learning, which was founded in 2009 by Dr. Jeff Bordes, is available in 17 countries, encompassing over 300 universities, making it a comprehensive platform for education across various nations.

The MoU signing function was held at the University of Malawi Office, and was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu. Other members present were the University Registrar, Mr. Martin Matululu, the Acting Deputy Registrar, Mr. Alfred Itate Banda, and the Director of Finance and Investment, Mr. Enoch Njiwa, along with all Executive Deans of the five schools within UNIMA, as well as other staff members.

During the opening ceremony, Professor Sajidu expressed his gratitude to the CEO of Astria Learning, Dr. Jeff Bordes, for considering the University of Malawi as a beneficiary of the e-learning platform. He further stated that the platform would enhance easy access to education, break physical barriers, and bring opportunities for the University of Malawi students to interact with international colleagues, learning about each other’s cultures. This, in turn, will help the University of Malawi to gain further international visibility.

The Vice Chancellor also mentioned that the signing of this MoU perfectly aligns with the Malawi 2063 agenda and the University of Malawi's (UNIMA) 2022-2026 strategic plan. The university aims to increase access to education, and this MoU is a significant step towards achieving that vision.

In an interview with Dr. Bordes, he explained that Astria Learning has a digital library with a wide variety of reading materials easily accessible to students. He stated that as one way of enhancing easy access to education, Astria Learning they will provide laptops and Astria tablets at an affordable price, making it easier for Malawians to attend online classes. 

During the ceremony, Professor Sajidu and Dr. Bordes signed the MoU, and there was a presentation of gifts from the University of Malawi to the Astria Learning guests. The ceremony continued with a university tour, during which the Astria Learning team admired the UNIMA campus. The day concluded with dinner at Sunbird Ku Chawe.