The public presentation of a PhD thesis is entitled: “Fast Typing Central- Bantu Keyboard; Optimization Language Structure, Algorithms and Models” will be made by Thokozani Chimkono, a PhD student in Applied Sciences (Information Technology) offered in the Department of Computing and Information Technology (CIT).

Thokozani Chimkono currently is a lecturer in the department of CIT but also lectures in other departments like Journalism and Engineering since Information Technology and Computer Engineering is vital in all professions.

Speaking about his journey to this level, Chimkono described it as exciting and also challenging since it required a lot of hard work.

“I have been having this dream and goal of attaining a PhD, it is not an easy road, though it has taken me a number of years to reach this I am just excited, and have exhausted my nervousness.” he said.

Chimkono holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Degree, Master of Science in Information Theory, Coding and Cryptography and now is aiming at the Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology.

“I have managed to reach this point because of the support I received from my lovely wife Patricia, my Dad Eston Chimkono, Polytechnic administration, CIT department, Supervisors and church friends from Blantyre Pentecostal,” he said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences Dr Ishmael Kossamu expressed his exhilaration that his Faculty is the one producing the first PhD student.

However he added that scientific innovations play a vital role in solving problems, which the society is facing.

“A University is identified by the number of PhD graduates and research papers it produces. In this case Polytechnic which will now be on its own after delinking, through these PhD programs, it will have a chance of enrolling international students and get recognition on the international level, “ he added.

There are other PhD students who are expected to reach this level next year.