By Ireen Kayira
Lilongwe, May 9, Mana: Unicaf University on Friday awarded Masters Degrees of various disciplines to 352 students of its first cohort in an online graduation ceremony.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology, William Susuwele Banda has since commended the University for holding a virtual graduation.
The degrees are in Master of Science in Organisational Psychology, Master of Arts in Education and Master of Business Administration to the first cohort of Unicaf University in Malawi.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Friday, the Education Minister, Susuwele Banda said government appreciates the initiative the university has taken, bearing in mind the unusual circumstances the country is going through.
“The threat of COVID-19 pandemic is something that should be taken seriously such that it is just proper to observe the attached restrictions on gatherings and international travel.
“I’m sure that the students graduating today, both Malawian and non Malawian would ideally wish to cerebrate together physically and share the achievement with their families and friends,” he said.
He said much as that would have added value and colour to the event, the university’s arrangement of the graduation was a necessary precautionary measure to be taken.
The minister, therefore, urged other universities to borrow the same leaf.
Banda further stressed the need for all universities, both private and public, to ensure they have effective and efficient administrative structures, financing systems and a professional machinery.
He said if this is done, the country will be able to attract a lot of international students.
“To fast-track this, government is in the process of developing a comprehensive Higher Educational Act which will guide the operations of all higher learning institutions both private and public.
Vice Chancellor for Unicaf University, Professor Joseph Mwale said institutions of higher learning today must accept their responsibility to educate citizens of the world to measure up to the expectations of the people.
He said a university meets the education and professional needs of the country it serves by combining the best aspects of modern international education with local needs.
“Our academic and research work will remain focused on activities relevant to the development of Malawi and Sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.
Professor Mwale further said since its establishment, Unicaf University has helped Malawi and its people in various ways such as awarding some students with scholarships.
