However, based on the University of Malawi Postgraduate Policy, the award of the PhD degree can only be done upon final recommendation of the University Senate. The candidate will have to fulfil other examination requirements before he can be presented to University Senate for recommendation of the PhD award.

Chimkono, is a lecturer in the Department of Computing and Information Technology (CIT) at The Polytechnic.

Speaking during the Cocktail organised to celebrate his success, Chimkono acknowledged those who assisted him throughout his journey. 

“I have achieved this today through various support I received from my lovely wife, Patricia, my father Eston Chimkono, CIT Department, Polytechnic Administration, Supervisors and friends from Blantyre Pentecostal Church,” he said.

Chimkono urged all people who are pursuing various goals to keep on working hard and  be patient in order to achieve them. 

“Nothing comes on a silver platter; everything is possible if one works extra hard on their goals. It is a bit of a challenge for someone to achieve his or her intended goals, but being focused and patient makes it easy to fulfil the dreams as I have done, “he advised.  

The Dean of Postgraduate Studies and Research at the Polytechnic, Dr Peter Mhagama, hailed Chimkono for his achievement and hoped that through this PhD, the institution will get to be recognised locally as well as internationally. 

“Many  people will also get to know about the postgraduate programmes that the institution offers and this has the potential to increase enrolment”, Dr Mhagama said. 

Dr Mhagama added by saying; “As an institution, we are very happy that we will soon produce a first PhD. In addition, there are about three other PhD candidates who are at an advanced stage of their studies and will early next year be defending their theses as well. This will help the institution to get international recognition.

Dr Mhagama further appealed to various stakeholders and the general public to support the institution as it will soon be an independent University under a new name: Malawi University of Business and Applied Scinces (MUBAS).