Manase Nhlane Answers: Learning and Growing with UNIMA eCampus

Balancing a demanding government career while pursuing higher education can be challenging, but with the right support, it’s possible to excel in both. Manase Nhlane, a Principal Administrative Officer in Malawi’s Ministry of Health, shares his journey of studying an MBA in Management with UNIMA eCampus. In this Q&A, he reflects on how the flexible eCampus model enabled him to enhance his professional skills, apply research in his workplace, and transform his approach to public-sector management.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

Manase: I am Manase Nhlane, currently serving as a Principal Administrative Officer in the Department of Nutrition under the Ministry of Health in Malawi, based in Lilongwe. I balance my government work with academic and research responsibilities, which can be challenging but rewarding.

Q: What programme did you study at UNIMA eCampus, and why did you choose it?

Manase: I pursued my Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management through UNIMA eCampus, completing the programme in March 2026. My research focused on the application of New Public Management (NPM) in local governments in Malawi. The flexibility of the eCampus learning model was a major factor, it allowed me to continue working in government without taking study leave while enhancing my research and policy analysis skills to improve public sector performance.

Q: How was your learning experience with UNIMA eCampus?

Manase: The experience was truly enriching and transformative. The programme was academically rigorous, and the interaction with lecturers and access to learning resources were excellent. I appreciated the structured yet flexible learning environment that encouraged independent and critical thinking. I could study at my own pace, apply theory directly to my workplace, and participate in discussions via the online forums, which bridged the distance effectively.

Q: How did you manage your work, studies, and personal life?

Manase: Balancing everything required discipline and effective time management. I created weekly study plans and used evenings and weekends productively. By integrating my academic work with my professional responsibilities, I ensured that both my studies and my job benefited from each other.

Q: What was your experience with the eCampus platform and support?

Manase: The UNIMA eCampus platform was user-friendly, reliable, and easy to navigate. Finding lecture notes, submitting assignments, and connecting with lecturers and fellow students was straightforward. The educational support team was attentive, lecturers provided timely feedback, and any technical issues were resolved quickly, which made learning seamless. You can also read more about how Astria Learning technology helps students learn smarter.

Q: What skills and knowledge did you gain from the programme?

Manase: I developed:

• High-level research and analytical skills
• Strong writing and critical thinking abilities
• Deep understanding of management and policy execution in the public sector
• Enhanced time management and self-directed learning skills

Q: How have you applied what you learned in your career?

Manase: My studies have directly impacted my work:

• Improving administrative systems and reporting
• Promoting evidence-based decision-making
• Conducting research on policy and programme delivery
• Leading professional research initiatives that inform public sector reforms

Q: What impact has UNIMA eCampus had on your professional development?

Manase: The programme has boosted my confidence, professional credibility, and career prospects. It has shaped me into a researcher and policy-oriented administrator capable of contributing to the transformation of Malawi’s public sector.

You can also explore the top in-demand skills you can gain at UNIMA eCampus in 2026.

Recommendations, Reflections and Takeaways from Manase:

His advice is:

• Be disciplined and reliable.
• Establish a manageable study outline.
• Contributively engage in conversations.
• Start assignments early.
• Always relate your studies with your career objectives.

Above all, you need to be motivated and keep in mind the reason why you began.