Hard work rewarded: 192 students celebrated for academic excellence

At the beginning of the second semester of each academic year, the University recognizes outstanding students who performed excellently in their first semester. On 12th March 2026, the University celebrated 192 students who made it onto the Dean’s List at the Great Hall. The event was graced by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu. Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise, executive deans from all five schools, and other staff members.

The ceremony also recognized 12 students who qualified for the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards by scoring a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.90–4.0. Prof. Sajidu congratulated all the students on their remarkable achievement. He said that the Dean’s List and the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards ceremony remind us that academic excellence is not accidental. It is the product of commitment, sacrifice, and a clear sense of purpose.

He further added that their achievements demonstrate that excellence is possible when talent meets hard work. “You have made your families proud, your lecturers proud, and your university proud,” he said. He reminded the students that excellence is not a destination; it is a habit. He encouraged them to continue striving, stay focused, keep questioning, and continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

Jiseung Kim, an international student from South Korea pursuing Bachelor of Science in Statistics (third year), made it onto the Vice-Chancellor’s list with an exceptional GPA of 4.0. He mentioned that he chose to study at the University of Malawi because he wanted to experience a different academic and cultural environment while pursuing his studies.

“The University of Malawi has a strong academic reputation, and I was particularly interested in the opportunity to study statistics in a diverse and engaging learning environment,” he said. “I also believed that studying here would allow me to broaden my perspective, meet people from different backgrounds, and grow both academically and personally.”

“I feel very grateful for this achievement. Receiving a GPA of 4.0 last semester was encouraging for me, but I see it mainly as a reflection of the support I received from my lecturers and the positive learning environment at the University of Malawi. It motivates me to continue working hard and to keep improving in my studies.”

The Great Hall was also filled with other students who came to celebrate their friends receiving the awards. Some cheered and sang songs praising their friends on the Dean’s List. The 12 students who qualified for the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards each received MK1,000,000 from the University