By Tikondane Vega and Patience Longwe

Zomba, June 18, Mana: Principal for Domasi College of Education Dr Arkangel Mtipe Yambeni has commended government for improving infrastructure development at the institution, saying this has created a conducive environment for both teachers and students.

Dr Yambeni said this at the institution on Tuesday when journalists visited the school to appreciate several developments that have taken place in the past months.

The Principal said, for example, the construction of an office complex with 26 offices has created space for both Deans and lecturers, as previously the school was still using infrastructure that the Teachers Training College (TTC) had used.

“Despite being a big College, the infrastructure was the same that was left but the current government has made it possible to give us this office complex that can accommodate our staff in a safe environment. As this is not enough, government has also constructed a two-floor library.

“The library accommodates 570 students at once.  It comprises a digital library, discussion section, and electronic catalogue. This replaced our old library, which was small and could only accommodate 150 students. During the reading week as we got closer to the examination period, it was even worse as students were sitting on the floor. The new library has created a good environment for students here,” said Yambeni.

He further said the construction of two lecture theatres at the school is another milestone that the current administration has brought to the school saying previously the institution had a small theatre that could only accommodate 50 students.

According to the Principal, each new theatre accommodates 150 students, which has also increased learning space at the school.

He said,” We also have three lecture rooms that accommodate 50 students each. Government also gave us a computer lab that can carry 60 students at once. All these have created space for learning and improved environment at the school.

“We have also received six hostels for girls and each accommodates 20 women. This has given space for more females to enroll with us. Besides all these, government has given us six science laboratories with physics, biology and chemistry using two and each room accommodates 60 students at once. The laboratories have state-of-the-art microscopes that others come to use.

He said all these have helped over 4000 students that are currently at the school to do their education better without facing difficulties adding the good news is that all these infrastructure developments are disability friendly.

One of Domasi College students Trizzer Jafali said the old library was not enough to accommodate all the students adding even the laboratories lacked sufficient equipment making it difficult for students to learn effectively.

“The coming in of new infrastructures has made learning to undergo a significant transformation. The construction of new hostels has been a game-changer for students, particularly females. It is a big opportunity for female students like me to learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Higher Education spokesperson Gift Chiponde has said the new infrastructure at Domasi College of Education strongly aligns with the Ministry’s strategic priorities.

“The resource centre and library foster academic excellence by providing access to up-to-date learning resources and modern research facilities. The administration block enhances institutional efficiency, improving governance and the delivery of essential services.

“The newly constructed hostel alleviates accommodation challenges, thereby broadening access to higher education, especially for students from rural and underserved areas,” said Chiponde.

He said the developments underscore unwavering commitment to strengthen teacher education and creating conducive learning environments.

“Collectively, they represent a significant step forward in our efforts to elevate the quality, relevance, and inclusivity of higher education across Malawi,” Chiponde added.