Malawi’s military academic powerhouse: Brigadier General Gilbert Mittawa earns national admiration with four master’s degrees

By Burnett Munthali

Congratulations are in order for Brigadier General Gilbert Mittawa, who is now being affectionately referred to as ‘Professor’ by many Malawians in recognition of his academic achievements.

The senior military officer has emerged as one of the most academically accomplished soldiers in the country, holding not one, but four prestigious master’s degrees.

His educational journey reflects a deep commitment to both national service and intellectual growth, a rare combination that sets him apart in Malawi’s defense sector.

Brigadier General Mittawa holds a Master of Security Studies from the University of Rwanda, an institution known for its regional focus on peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.

In addition to his security credentials, he also earned a Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of Dundee in Scotland, giving him a solid legal foundation to complement his military experience.

His academic quest did not stop there—he proceeded to Oxford University in England, one of the world’s top universities, where he obtained a Master of Public Policy.

To crown his intellectual journey, Brigadier General Mittawa also secured a Master of Policy and Strategy from the National Defence University in Kenya, an institution that grooms high-ranking officers for strategic leadership roles.

With these four postgraduate qualifications, Brigadier General Mittawa represents a shining example of discipline, vision, and relentless pursuit of knowledge within the Malawi Defence Force.

His impressive academic profile not only inspires fellow officers but also serves as a model for the youth of Malawi who aspire to combine leadership with lifelong learning.

As national security challenges evolve, Malawi stands to benefit immensely from leaders like Mittawa who are equipped with both the theoretical and practical tools to navigate complex geopolitical and policy landscapes.

His story proves that soldiers can be both warriors and scholars, and that national defense requires not only courage in battle but also wisdom in strategy and policy.

In an era where educational excellence is increasingly vital in governance and security, Brigadier General Gilbert Mittawa has etched his name into Malawi’s history as a soldier-scholar of the highest order.