UNIMA HOLDS FIRST EVER VIRTUAL GRADUATION
Even though the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the way institutions operate, it has also provided them the opportunity to explore other ways of conducting business through the use of technology. For University of Malawi, a virtual graduation became the preferred mode of graduating 1852 students instead of postponing the event to a time when it would be safe to meet again in large numbers. On 28th April, 2021, UNIMA successfully held its first ever virtual graduation which was presided over by the State President and Chancellor of the University of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera. Speaking as Chancellor at the function, President Chakwera said he expected nothing but sustained quality in all the universities upon their commencement following the delinking of University of Malawi.
During the graduation ceremony, which was physically attended by selected academic staff, university management and council members, government officials and graduands who had passed with distinctions, the Chancellor observed that it was one thing to desire being an independent university and another to be a university whose degrees are worth it. “Although it has been the subject of debate lately, I am happy to hear that the delinking has finally been scheduled to commence on 4th May, 2021. But we should not get carried away by the euphoria this causes because making the three new universities operate at the highest standards of education will take sacrifice from all stakeholders,” Chakwera said then.
The President, who is also an alumnus of UNIMA, also said more work and sacrifice is needed in each of the autonomous institutions to achieve the expected high standards. He further added that with the pandemic within our midst as the new normal, there is need to prepare for a post-Covid-19 world of greater innovation, which requires investment in things that affect standards of education as well as methods of education that increase access to education for people. While congratulating the graduating students, Chakwera also urged them to reflect on the standards of education they have received and sacrifices made by various stakeholders.
The list of graduating students attending the event also included those graduating with doctoral degrees. One of the graduates, Dr. Yankho Kaimila from the Department of Biological Sciences, said she was happy that the graduation took place and that she didn’t have to wait for too long to get her degree. “I believe that virtual graduations are now the way to go. Apart from including people in different geographical locations that cannot physically make it to the event, they also ensure people get their degrees earlier rather than having to wait a year or more to graduate,” Kaimila said.
