MALAWI: Develop into responsible citizens-CUNIMA Graduates told
At least 333 students from Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA) last Saturday graduated with Diplomas and Degrees in various programs at an event held at CUNIMA campus in Chiradzulu where His Excellency Archbishop Julio Murat, the Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, was the guest of honor.
Speaking at the function, Vice Chancellor of CUNIMA, Fr. George Buleya said the University which is 11 years old now has over the years earned a reputation of producing graduates of a distinctive calibre who are properly trained, motivated and solidly grounded in their area of study.
“The challenge before us is carrying on with the legacy of being the Centre of Excellence for quality and holistic education. In line with our strategic plan and constantly reading the signs of the times and paying attention to developments in the education sector here and beyond, we set ourselves on a path towards greater and greater academic height as a university,” said Fr. Bulaya.
He added that they are determined to have a university that excel in research, publications, innovations and community, industry out-reach and interface programs.
Meanwhile, Fr. Buleya reported that, CUNIMA has established a new Faculty of Sciences which will among others enhance collaboration, partnership, networking and research in the field of science and technology, ensure effective and efficient delivery of science and technology programs in the university and accelerate inter-professional and coordinated science and technology education.
He said CUNIMA has also signed an academic collaboration and linkages with the Dominicans in South Africa and University of Kwazulu Natal.
“Discussions are also underway with the University of South Africa (UNISA) so that we become a registration and point of reference center for UNISA and also offer students an opportunity to achieve dual degrees,” he said.
Speaking at the same time, CUNIMA Chancellor, His Grace Thomas Luke Msusa said the Catholic Church like other institutions, strives to compliment the efforts of government in providing quality services to the people of Malawi.
“We are glad that through this university, in the spirit, we are providing education to the citizens of Malawi regardless of ethnicity, race, sex and creed. It is in this context that we, as a University, welcome the role government is playing in extending loan facilities to needy and deserving students in private accredited Universities as well,” said Archbishop Msusa.
Most Reverend Msusa advised the graduating students to grow and develop into responsible citizens of Malawi.
“You should know that the rate of development of any nation is proportional to the number of its educated citizens. However, education alone without discipline is a futile endeavour. You are being sent like sheep among wolves; so be cunning like snakes and yet innocent as doves,” said Archbishop Msusa of Blantyre Archdiocese while quoting Mathew 10;16.
In his brief speech, His Excellency Julio Murat, the Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia challenged the graduating students and instilled the reading culture in them.
“This should not be the end of it all. Read more and more to advance your knowledge and skills,” he said.
Chairman of the University Council, His Lordship Martin Mtumbuka has since announced that plans are underway to establish CUNIMA constituent Colleges in Lilongwe and Mzuzu. He said Lilongwe will have a College of Health Sciences while Mzuzu will have an Engineering College.
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By Prince Henderson, Communications Officer ECM
