A Celebration of Academic Excellence: UNIMA Graduation 2025

Annually, the University of Malawi celebrates the achievements of women and men who completed their studies at the institution as well as and other universities that were formerly under the federal university system. This year, the University recognized these men and women during a graduation ceremony held in the Great Hall. The ceremony took place on 30th April and 1st May 2025, and was divided into four sessions. The first session of the congregation was presided over by the President of the Republic of Malawi and Chancellor of the University, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.

During the ceremony, both the Chancellor, Dr. Chakwera, and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu, congratulated the graduates on their well-earned certificates. Dr. Chakwera highlighted several accomplishments of his administration, aimed at increasing access to education, such as the expansion of enrolment from 30,000 to 75,000 students and the establishment of a Ministry of Higher Education, among others.

In his remarks, Prof. Sajidu expressed gratitude to the Government for its continued support to the University and the education sector at large, noting that such commitment to higher education remains the cornerstone of national development. He also mentioned ongoing infrastructural developments at UNIMA, including the near completion of prefabricated classrooms under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) and the commencement of the construction of a Teaching and Learning Complex under the SAVE project. He stated that these advancements reaffirm the University’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and global engagement.

The Chairperson of UNIMA Council, Dr. Christopher Guta, also appreciated the Government for its continued support toward the University’s growth. “There are many projects which are being supported by the Government through various financing arrangements, most notably the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP),” he said. He further urged the graduates to uphold moral character and integrity as they transition into the wider and highly competitive world of work.

Students beamed in their academic gowns as they walked to the front upon hearing their names called. One of the graduates, Mr. Pachalo Luhanga, a Master of Science in Food Science graduate who completed his studies with distinction, shared his postgraduate experience. He described the journey as very rewarding, highlighting the strong bonds he formed with fellow students and faculty members, as well as the numerous networking and professional development opportunities the programme offered. He encouraged prospective postgraduate students interested in studying at the University of Malawi to keep an open mind and be willing to explore new ideas and perspectives.