Leaders in eloquence: UNIMA students selected as Lex:lead essay competition winners

The University of Malawi consistently demonstrates excellence through its students and staff members, earning recognition both locally and internationally. In recent news, Mr. Benson Bandawe, a third-year student, and Ms. Ronica Kuthakwanasi, a second-year student, both pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (Honors), have emerged as winners in an international essay competition organized by Lawyers for Economic Advancement and Development (Lex:lead).

The essay competition, which annually attracts law students from over 50 countries, required participants to submit essays on the topic: "How Effective Have Laws Protecting the Rights of Children been to Reduce Poverty and Support Economic Development? How could they be improved?"

These two students are the only Malawians among the 16 winners of the competition. Mr. Benson Bandawe's essay secured the top position, as evaluated by an international panel of judges, lawyers, and academics. The 16 winners will receive a cash prize of $500 each to support their educational expenses. This achievement also presents an opportunity for them to become Lex-Lead ambassadors, representing Lex:lead as valuable resources for other eligible students and facilitating liaisons with universities or other institutions.

"Having emerged as number 1 in the Lex:lead 2023 legal essay competition, I feel very grateful to God Almighty, knowing fully well that there were over 50 countries competing and more than 108 essays had been submitted globally from competent law students. It gives me great confidence and high self-esteem to take part in many more challenging competitions,” said Bandawe, who has long aimed for an international platform to showcase his writing and presentation skills.

He credited his success to the rigorous competence-based system employed by the School of Law, Economics, and Government (SLEG). He acknowledged the guidance of legal great minds like Professor Edge Kanyongolo and Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise, who helped him build a strong foundation in legal writing and critical reasoning during their lectures.

Professor Happy Kayuni, the Executive Dean of the School of Law, Economics, and Government, emphasized that participating in essay competitions can be a rewarding experience, showcasing the university's talents and contributing to the international academic community. He further said that this achievement reflects positively on the educational standards and support provided by the school. He has advised aspiring students to develop robust research and writing skills, focusing on conducting thorough research and expressing their thoughts clearly in writing. He encouraged students to seek guidance from their departments and not hesitate to approach lecturers for advice and feedback.

Ms. Ronica Kuthakwanasi, echoing Professor Kayuni, attributed her success to her academic journey at the School of Law, Economics, and Government, which equipped her with the necessary research and writing skills. She has advised her peers not to underestimate the value of extracurricular competitions, emphasizing that they broaden one's knowledge base. Reflecting on her motivation to participate, she shared, “What inspired me most to participate in the competition is my determination to understand more than what I learn in class. I realized that through participating in the competition, I’d be able to research more and write about issues that I am not currently learning in class.”

Both students expressed their determination to continue engaging in such activities and seizing opportunities for growth and development.

For the past 8 years, UNIMA students have been consistent in being featured among winning writers in the Lex:lead essay competition. Last year alone, three students from the University of Malawi penned winning essays in the competition.