The function took place at the MUBAS ODeL Auditorium on October 20, 2021 while other members of the public  followed it virtually.

The thesis is titled; “Institutional model for public hospitals’ organisational governance reforms in Malawi”

Lipunga, who is a senior lecturer in the department of Accountancy started his journey from private secondary schools in Blantyre until he was selected to study at the Polytechnic now MUBAS, where he graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy.

“I then enrolled with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) of United Kingdom and I completed the qualification programme in 2010. From there, I pursued a Master of Philosophy at the Polytechnic, which I completed in 2018. The same year, I was accepted to study PhD,” said the excited Lipunga.

Dr Lipunga added that the journey has exposed him to information that will enhance his delivery to the students. Most importantly, he has acquired researching skills that currently are a challenge in the field of accountancy. 

“I am thrilled since this is what I have been looking forward to for the past three years and very thankful to God for his grace of this achievement. At the same time, I feel like an enormous weight has been placed on my shoulders. I believe people’s expectations are high. They are definitely expecting high work performance and exemplary conduct in life in general. I will use the skills acquired to contribute to enhance the same in my students,” he added.

Associate Professor Betchani Tchereni, who was one of his supervisors explained that Andrew has been a wonderful candidate who was determined and exemplary, that is why he has managed to complete his PhD study in a space of 3 years, on top of that he has already published four journals.

Dr Lipunga advises those who wish to pursue in this path that, though not an easy thing, but it is doable, it only requires passion and fortitude.

“For starters, expose yourself to current research in the area of your choice. Make it a habit of reading published articles from reputable international and national journals. From the reading, learn current topics of debate, how the debates are presented, and try to identify gaps that you may address,” he advised.