UNIMA Biostatistics Students Visit National Statistical Office

On 5^th November 2026 a group of third year students from the University of Malawi pursuing Bachelor of Science in Biostatistics and Bachelor of Science majoring Statistics visited the National Statistical Office (NSO) to gain practical insights into the application of statistics in the professional world.

The visit, led by their lecturer, Dr Tsilizani Kaombe, accorded the 53 students an opportunity to interact with professionals from the Demography Section, including Chief Statistician Mr Gracious Hamuza. The engagement provided students with an opportunity to learn about the section's work and how statistical knowledge is applied in addressing real-world challenges.

Speaking during the interaction, Hamuza emphasised the importance of complementing classroom knowledge with practical exposure. He noted that while university education provides students with essential theoretical knowledge, visits to institutions such as NSO help them appreciate how that knowledge is translated into practice.

He encouraged the students to take advantage of such opportunities to bridge the gap between theory and practice and develop a better understanding of the professional demands of their chosen field.

The students also expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as an eye-opening experience that had broadened their understanding of statistics beyond the classroom.

Layton Kukacha, a third-year Bachelor of Science student majoring in Statistics, said the visit had given him valuable practical knowledge, noting that much of his understanding of the subject had previously been based on classroom theoretical knowledge alone.

Another student, Eliza Manda, said the experience has given her and her colleagues a clearer picture of what statistics entails and how they could apply the knowledge gained during their studies in their future careers.

She added that the exposure will also help them better understand some of the concepts taught in class and appreciate their practical relevance. Manda further thanked the University for organising the visit, describing it as an important learning opportunity which will significantly contribute to their academic development.