Chimulirenji was speaking at St Lukes College of Nursing and Midwifery in Zomba where 176 students were graduating with diplomas. The college is owned by the Anglican Diocese of the Upper Shire.

The vice president said since time immemorial, the church has been a partner in the provision of health and education services, hence the need for the two institutions to continue co-existing as such.

Said Chimulirenji: Let me also take the opportunity of emphasizing the cordial relationship existing between the Church and the Government, and in particular the Diocese of Upper Shire. The church indeed fulfils its spiritual obligation in supporting the citizenry of Malawi. The church further assists the Government in providing health and education services, which cannot go unmentioned. We as the Government under the wise and dynamic leadership of his Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, further commit our Government to working with the Churches for the betterment of Malawians. Let me assure you that Government will continue to invest in tertiary Education in order to empower our youth for better Malawi.”

To the graduating students, Chimulirenji had this to say: “The College has prepared you not just on the bedside front, but to play your part in helping communities improve their quality of life. Malawians   need your input and you must, at every stage of your life play your part in promoting health outcomes for the sake of our children and grandchildren.”

Taking his turn, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Upper Shire, Brighton Vita Malasa appealed to government to absorb the students into the country’s health care system.

“These are qualified health care service providers. The church’s labour in training them would be in vain if there is no market for them,” sid Malasa.

Malawi also unveiled the college’s plan to start offering degree programs.

During the ceremony, Gift Chipatala emerged an overall best student in practical, theory and good behavior. He went away with certificate and cash prize amounting to K200,000 from the vice president.

St Luke’s College of Nursing and Midwifery was established in 1972 with the initial goal of training nurses for its hospital and health centers, which later changed in response to the growing  national demand in health sector.