UNIMA Graduates Step into a New Chapter as 2026 Graduation Cycle Concludes
2026 has been a year of milestones and celebrations at the University of Malawi (UNIMA), with a total of 3,958 students graduating across two Congregations, marking the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and academic pursuit.
The University’s second and final Congregation of 2026, held on 26th August, saw 2,191 students receive qualifications across various levels of study, bringing the 2026 graduation cycle to a close.
This followed the First Congregation, held in April, which graduated 1,767 students.
The Second Congregation comprised five PhD graduates, 20 Master’s degree graduates, 1,946 Bachelor’s degree graduates, 12 postgraduate diploma graduates, 78 diploma graduates and 72 certificate graduates.
Of these, 926 were female and 1,265 were male, with female graduates accounting for approximately 42 percent of the graduating class. Among the graduates, 15 received distinctions.
For the graduates, the occasion represented more than the culmination of years of academic study. It marked the beginning of a new chapter as they carry the knowledge, skills and experiences gained at UNIMA into their respective professions and communities.
In his remarks during the graduation, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malawi, Professor Samson Sajidu, urged the graduates to uphold integrity and shun corruption as they enter the world of work, encouraging them to use their knowledge and skills responsibly and contribute positively to their communities and the country.
Professor Sajisu expressed gratitude to the Director of Higher Education, Dr Fritz Kadyoma, who represented the Minister of Education, for gracing the important occasion, noting that his presence demonstrated government’s continued commitment to higher education and human capital development, while reaffirming the important role universities play in knowledge creation, innovation and national development.
The Vice-Chancellor seized the opportunity to highlight some of the University’s developments since the First 2026 Congregation held in April.
Among others, he highlighted the introduction of a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Science and Technology for Peaceful Purposes, following a special request from the International Atomic Authority. He said the programme, which is expected to commence in the 2026/2027 academic year, is expected to expand opportunities for specialised training in nuclear science and technology.
The Vice-Chancellor also indicated that UNIMA has also continued to make progress in research, resource mobilisation and internationalisation, strengthening support and partnerships through initiatives involving organisations and institutions including Erasmus+, the University of Kent, Mastercard Foundation, National Bank of Malawi, Old Mutual, NBS Bank and the University of Cambridge.
“These developments reflect the University’s continued commitment to expanding academic opportunities, strengthening research and building partnerships that contribute to its mission of producing knowledge and human capital for national and global development,” Professor Sajidu said.
For the graduates, the graduation marks the beginning of a new journey, one in which they are called upon to apply their knowledge, skills and experiences to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
With the 2026 graduation cycle now concluded, UNIMA looks ahead to the 2027 graduation ceremonies as another cohort of students works towards achieving this important milestone.
