President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has praised Stevens Institute of Technology for its strong commitment to promoting educational exchange and collaboration between the United States and Africa. The President made these remarks on Thursday evening during the second Annual Africa-US Presidential Forum in Hoboken, New Jersey.
During the event, President Chakwera was honored with a Presidential Honorary Award for his tireless efforts in advancing education among the youth in Malawi and across Africa. In his acceptance speech, Chakwera highlighted the importance of the forum in equipping African youth with skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), key areas that enhance their employability and empower them to drive the continent’s development.
“It is pleasing to note that Malawian students will be admitted to this prestigious university to further their studies in various technological fields, which will benefit their country,” Chakwera said.
Dr. Nariman Farvardin, President of Stevens Institute of Technology, underscored the institution’s dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in education. He emphasized that the forum, organized in collaboration with the Nekotech Centre of Excellence, aims to solidify educational ties between Africa and the US.
“We organized this event to ensure that Africa remains at the forefront of technological progress by strengthening educational partnerships between Africa and the United States,” Farvardin said.
Apart from President Chakwera, notable recipients of the Presidential Honorary Awards included former Malawian President Dr. Joyce Banda, Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, and King Tackie Tsuru II, President of the Ga State in Ghana. Additionally, Malawian Chipiliro Chisao was honored with the Graduate Ambassador Award.
The Africa-US Presidential Forum, held annually, brings together African presidents, U.S. government officials, corporate leaders, and dignitaries to discuss strategic workforce training with a focus on STEM education and AI-driven learning.
Stevens Institute of Technology, a premier private research university in Hoboken, New Jersey, is known for its rich legacy of technological innovation. Through the Nekotech Centre of Excellence, over 1,000 African students are expected to benefit from scholarships at the institution, further enhancing Africa’s future workforce.
