UNIMA Celebrates Second 2024 Graduation Ceremony, Awards Top Graduates

Each year, the university awards certificates to men and women upon the completion of their studies. This awarding is marked by a colorful ceremony traditionally held in the Great Hall, where relations of graduands are invited to witness the event. On 29th August 2024, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu, presided over the ceremony and conferred various certificates to 1,291 graduates.

The graduation ceremony attracted many notable figures from across the country and beyond, including some faculty members of the University of Rovuma in Mozambique, who were invited to witness the colorful event. During the ceremony, Professor Sajidu congratulated all the graduates for their hard work and dedication throughout their studies and advised them to enter the industry with the intent to make a difference. He further urged them to utilize the skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom to contribute to the development of the country. Additionally, he emphasized that they should not merely seek jobs but also focus on creating jobs through entrepreneurship.

In his remarks, the new Chairman of the University Council, Dr Christopher Guta, stated that when students attend institutions of higher learning like the University of Malawi, they acquire firsthand data that strengthens their knowledge. He urged the graduates to reflect on the skills they have gained through the education system, particularly within UNIMA, and to consider how they can effect change in society by implementing the country’s strategies and policies.

During the ceremony, it was announced that the Chancellor of the University, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, who is also President of the Republic of Malawi, had awarded MK200,000 to each of the undergraduate and postgraduate students who performed exceptionally well during their studies and graduated with distinction. One of the recipients, Mr. Jonathan Chanachi, expressed gratitude and excitement for being recognized in such a way by the Chancellor. He stated that during his five-year stay at the University of Malawi, he acquired many skills that proved invaluable, including time and resource management. He emphasized that because time and resources are always limited, the ability to prioritize activities is crucial. “To those pursuing various programmes, I would say hard work always pays off and students should be willing to put in the effort in whatever they are doing.”