UNIMA awards exceptional students

Each year, the University of Malawi recognizes and celebrates its students who perform exceptionally. On 4th April 2024, the Great Hall was filled with students from the five schools within UNIMA whose performance during the first semester of the 2023/2024 academic year was deemed outstanding. Among the 216 students who made it onto the Dean’s List, 17 students were awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Award for achieving an exceptional Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.90 and above (up to a maximum of 4.0), each receiving a Mk1,000,000 cheque.

The ceremony was colorful and unique, commencing with a staff procession led by the University Registrar, Mr. Martin Matululu. Following him were the five Executive Deans, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise, and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu. Among the other attendees were the Deputy Registrar, Mr. Alfred Banda, the Assistant Registrar (Students Affairs), Mrs. Eluby Kafumbata, the President of the Students’ Representative Council, Mr. Thanks Elia Mwalwanda, various staff members and students.

During the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor congratulated all the students who made it onto the Dean’s list for their hard work and dedication in their studies. He pointed out that the recipients of the Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship and those on the Dean’s L     ist have not only excelled academically but have also significantly contributed to the vibrant profile of UNIMA’s academic environment. He also observed that their dedication to excellence serves as a beacon of inspiration for their peers and future generations of scholars in the University. He further emphasized that the success rate of the students is crucial for the university to be highly ranked, and having students achieve a GPA of 3.90 and above is a remarkable accomplishment under his leadership. Additionally, he acknowledged everyone who nurtured their talents and guided their way, recognizing their significant roles.

 “To those who have not made it onto the Dean’s list or received the Vice Chancellor’s Awards, do not be discouraged. Keep pushing forward, strive for excellence, and, above all, believe in yourself and your capabilities,” he said. He continued by encouraging the students to regard failure as a mere setback, as failure is inevitable. “You should always view such setbacks as stepping stones to success rather than roadblocks. Networking can open doors to opportunities, providing valuable insights and support. If you are not able to network with your friends, it will be hard to secure a job in the industry," he stated.

The atmosphere in the Great Hall was an electric one as the names of the 17 students who earned the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Award were announced. Out of these students, 16 were men and 1 was a woman named Miss Nomsa Zgambo. Zgambo, a fourth-year student enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Economics programme, expressed her excitement upon receiving the award. She recalled her experience during her second year when her grades were notably poor, leading her to sit for a supplementary exam. Undeterred by the setback, she persevered and succeeded. Zgambo continued by offering words of encouragement to students who did not make it onto the Deans List, urging them to persist and add an extra effort in their studies, emphasizing that grades should not define their capabilities.

Zgambo further expressed that she felt immensely proud and empowered by breaking stereotypes, serving as an inspiration for other girls and demonstrating that it is indeed possible to excel.

 “I believe it was my hard work and constant determination that led to this achievement. I consistently maintained the belief that such greatness was within reach, and above all, maintained my unwavering faith in God. There were days when hard work alone wasn’t sufficient, and I needed divine intervention,” she said.