UNIMA Alumni Hold First-Ever Annual General Meeting
The Association of University of Malawi (UNIMA) Alumni held its first-ever Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Salima on Saturday, 22nd November, 2025, , an event marked by historic milestones, renewed commitment, and the official launch of the Adopt a Needy Student initiative.
The AGM brought together distinguished former students from all the constituent colleges under the former federal UNIMA system, including The Polytechnic, Bunda College of Agriculture, the College of Medicine, Kamuzu College of Nursing, and Chancellor College.
Alumni from as far back as the 1980s to recent graduates attended, making it a truly multigenerational gathering.
Among the high-profile alumni in attendance were the Vice-Chancellor of UNIMA, Professor Samson Sajidu; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise; the Executive Director of MANEB, Dr. Dorothy Nampota; and the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Administration), Dr. Noel Kayira.
Their presence, along with several other notable professionals from across sectors, signalled a unified commitment to contributing toward the future development of their alma mater.
During the meeting, the alumni made an immediate and tangible impact by raising tuition fees and upkeep allowances for two needy students from the attendees through donations, an act described as the first step in actualising the newly launched Adopt a Needy Student initiative.
The initiative aims to mobilise alumni support to ensure that financially vulnerable students are able to continue and complete their studies without disruption.
Students from Salima Secondary School were invited to attend the AGM, a move aimed at inspiring them as prospective UNIMA students and expose them to the university’s values, services, and community engagement championed by its alumni.
The AGM carries deep historical significance because, since UNIMA was established in 1965, the institution has never had a formally recognised alumni association convening at such a scale.
The formation of this association marks the beginning of a new era, one filled with promising initiatives, including plans to construct student hostels, provide laptops to needy students, and establish additional welfare and development programmes.
Speaking during the event, Professor Sajidu said the university was extremely excited by this meeting as it was something it has anticipated for many years.
“This is something we have waited for many years since the establishment of UNIMA in 1965. This is the first time we have had a formal alumni association, and we are extremely excited.”
He further described the AGM as a significant moment of reconnection for the alumni and the university.
“Our alumni are the ones who give the university its identity and character. They connect us not only nationally, but globally. Leading universities thrive because of the support they receive from their alumni.”
During the ceremony, several individuals received awards and special recognition, including Professor Isaac Lamba, one of the first UNIMA graduates in 1969.
Professor Sajidu also received special recognition for his leadership and longstanding dedication to strengthening the relationship between the university and its alumni.
