Unicaf University in Malawi is developing its alumni chapter to build a strong and engaged network of graduates that support both personal and professional growth of its members, while contributing to the university’s development. The chapter aims to foster community connections, facilitate mentorship and lifelong learning, provide networking and career opportunities, and encourage alumni participation in institutional initiatives, ensuring that graduates remain connected, supported, and actively involved in shaping the future of the university.

The dinner provided a platform for meaningful engagement, enabling alumni to share their professional experiences, discuss career achievements, and gain insight into the University’s latest initiatives, including the upcoming creation of a Malawi Alumni Chapter. Their contributions will inform the ongoing policy formulation and the operational framework of the Alumni Chapter. By fostering these connections, Unicaf University reinforced its commitment to maintaining an active and supportive alumni community.

The Vice-Chancellor of Unicaf University, Malawi, Dr Robert Ridley reaffirmed the university’s commitment to building an active, inclusive and professionally supportive alumni community.�� “Alumni are a critical part of our University community,” said Dr Robert Ridley. “Events like this enable us to celebrate their achievements, learn from their experiences, and continue building a network that benefits our graduates, our University, and the broader society.”

Several senior Unicaf University representatives attended the dinner, engaging with attendees, gathering feedback on alumni expectations and professional experiences to inform future initiatives.

The alumni dinner marked a key milestone in consolidating the foundation of the Unicaf Malawi Alumni Association. The Attendees were supportive of the establishment of the Malawi Alumni Chapter, and welcomed opportunities to contribute to its leadership, activities, and long-term sustainability.��

Unicaf University continues to celebrate its graduates and the impact they make within their communities and professions. The alumni dinner represents a significant step in nurturing a collaborative alumni network that advances the shared goals of the University and its alumni.

In her address to the graduates, the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Christine Phiri Mushibwe, stated the following: “���Ծ�������’s model uses technology to connect individuals and nations, shaping a global network, ready for the demands of a changing world. Invest your knowledge and integrity into national and global transformation.….. You graduate as global citizens. You have studied with peers from across the world, debated international issues, and engaged with diverse cultures. Such exposure is essential, because the challenges of climate change, inequality, conflict, public health, and artificial intelligence do not stop at borders – and neither should our solutions”.��

Speaking about the importance of transformative education, the University’s Chancellor, Professor Mpazi Sinjela, stated: “In developing countries, transformative global education can be a catalyst for change. It can empower individuals, communities, and nations to break cycles of poverty, improve health outcomes, and foster sustainable economic growth. By sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources, we can bridge gaps and create opportunities for marginalized populations”.

The Guest of Honour, Chief Justice Dr Mumba Malila, referred to the importance of education in safeguarding democracy and lawfulness: “A well-educated leadership and electorate help ensure informed debate, sound policy, and respect for the rule of law. As Chief Justice, I can attest that when citizens understand their rights and duties, the wheels of justice turn more smoothly. Abraham Lincoln is often quoted as saying, ‘The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next’.

The candidates for the conferment degrees were presented to the Chancellor by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Dr Attridge Mwelwa, the Dean of the School of Business and Management Studies, Dr Mary Mandiringana, the Dean of the School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr Pelekelo Kabundula and Dr Clement Mubanga Chela while Dr Daniel Mpolomoka, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Academic Affairs, presented the best graduating student in each programme, to receive merit awards.

On behalf of all graduates, Rudolf Henri Rittmann from Namibia, Valedictorian and graduate in the Master of Business Administration – Management Information Systems programme, stepped onto the stage to address his fellow graduates:  “From lecture rooms and virtual platforms we have come to this grand celebration today, which marks the culmination of dedication, resilience, and purpose. It is a moment that reflects not only our academic achievement but also the perseverance, discipline, and unwavering spirit. We did not simply complete an academic programme; we have been transformed, we have grown, and we have triumphed. This is the true power of global education and the essence of the Unicaf spirit, that unites us across disciplines, cultures, and continents”.

The 2025 Graduation Ceremony concluded with the dissolution of the Assembly by the Chancellor, a closing prayer and the National Anthem played by the Police Brass Band.

Written by Eva Koursoumba

The event provided a relaxed setting for alumni to share their Unicaf stories and inspire prospective students. Organised by Hannah Gabriel-Oba, it featured interactive games and interviews conducted by Emmanuel Ayanfeoluwa Ajiboye. It also featured discussions designed to encourage participants to connect and exchange experiences.

During the event, the hostess, Hannah Gabriel-Oba, spoke about the opportunities available through the Unicaf Scholarship, inviting attendees to reflect on their educational journeys and how Unicaf has supported their academic and professional growth. Oluyemi Olubukola, representing the Unicaf referral team, encouraged participants to continue spreading the word about Unicaf within their professional and social circles.

Attendees expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting how valuable it was to engage directly with other Unicaf students and graduates. Many suggested that similar events be held more frequently and possibly expanded into open-day sessions for the wider public.

More than 500 Unicaf scholars, who were among those who graduated, can now proudly call themselves ‘graduates of the University of East London in the UK’. They come from the following 60 countries across the globe: Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Nigeria, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Ghana, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Namibia, Egypt, Sierra Leone, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Guyana, South Sudan, Ireland, Uganda, Turks & Caicos, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana, Switzerland, Estonia, Indonesia, Trinidad & Tobago, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Armenia, Jordan, Zimbabwe, Greece, Czech Republic, China, Liberia, St Lucia, Iraq, Qatar, Oman, Ethiopia, Bahamas, Romania, Rwanda, Mozambique, Chad, Luxembourg, Austria, Republic of North Macedonia, Turkey, Cayman Islands, Nepal, Gambia, Lesotho, Antigua & Barbuda, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Belize, Pakistan.

A number of graduating Unicaf scholars chose to fly to the UK, in order to attend their Graduation Ceremony in person, at the University’s Docklands Campus in London. In her address to the graduates, the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Amanda Broderick, underlined the important role of families, mentors and supporters in every graduate’s success and stated: ‘Graduation is not simply a ceremony, but a punctuation in the story of your lives!’ She encouraged new graduates to keep learning and to aim as high as their dreams can take them.

The Vice-Chancellor then referred to the multiple accolades and global recognition earned by the University of East London this year, including being named ‘University of the Year’ for teaching quality by the Times and the Sunday Times, and more recently shortlisted for ‘University of the Year’ at the Times Higher Education Awards 2025, the UK’s most prestigious educational honours.�� These accolades, Professor Broderick stressed, reinforce the University’s reputation as one of the most innovative and impactful universities in the UK and support the belief that Higher Education must lead national and international renewal, delivering inclusive, sustainable change, that tackles tomorrow’s challenges today.

The new group of Unicaf scholars, who have completed their studies online through Unicaf, have graduated from the University of East London in the UK earning the following degree awards:

Master in Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Laws (LLM)

MSc in Oil and Gas with Energy Management

MSc in International Business Management

MSc Construction Engineering Management

MSc Information Security and Digital Forensics

MSc Computer Science

MSc Data Science

MSc Big Data Technologies

MSc International Relations

MSc Business Psychology

Written by Eva Koursoumba

During the Graduation Ceremony, the installation of the University’s new Chancellor also took place, with Professor John Kalenga Saka replacing the late Professor Joseph Kuthemba Mwale as the ceremonial head of the Institution.

Dr Robert Ridley, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, paid tribute to the valuable contribution of the late Chancellor Kuthemba Mwale to the establishment of Unicaf University, observing a minute’s silence in his honour, before introducing the new Chancellor, Professor John Kalenga Saka, who has a lifetime’s experience and achievement in Higher Education in Malawi and across Africa. Professor Saka expressed his appreciation for the fine work of his predecessor, and emphasised that Unicaf University has changed the way higher education is understood and delivered in Africa and beyond, stating: ‘I am delighted to be associated with a university that is doing so much to promote doctoral education and research. It is through doctoral education and active participation in research that nations develop expertise at the forefront of knowledge and technology, which is so critical in this fast-moving world, built around knowledge economies.’ 

Three graduating students, representing Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral level graduates, stepped onto the stage to deliver their addresses, urging fellow graduates to aim toward building a more inclusive and sustainable world with knowledge, empathy, wisdom, self-awareness and a global perspective, crucial in today’s world of advanced technology.

The Guest Speaker, Dr Levis Eneya, Secretary for Higher Education, commended Unicaf University for its innovative approaches in expanding access to higher education, which align with the Malawian government’s priorities. ‘If Malawi and other African countries are to realise their development aspirations, we must become experts in digital approaches across all sectors of the economy, and the best place to start promoting an understanding of and training in new technologies is within the education system’ the Secretary stated.

Dr Eneya paid tribute to the late Professor Joseph Kuthemba Mwale, and congratulated the new Chancellor, Professor John Kalenga Saka, expressing confidence in his leadership. Finally, Dr Eneya urged this year’s graduates to use their acquired knowledge and skills to uplift their communities and contribute meaningfully to national development.

After the conferment of degrees, the introduction of the new ‘Professor Joseph Kuthemba Mwale Award’ was announced, in honour of the late Chancellor of Unicaf University in Malawi, which recognises the achievement of the graduate with the best overall performance. The first recipient of the award was Chantal Amisi Anifa, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who has graduated in the Master en Administration des Affaires programme, taught in French.

After the Graduation Ceremony, Unicaf University offered graduates the opportunity to have commemorative photos taken by professional photographers free of charge.��

By Eva Koursoumba

Alumni panellists shared personal experiences and professional insights, reflecting on how education had shaped their careers and broadened their opportunities. Their stories highlighted the importance of adaptability, innovation, and ethical leadership in preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.

Students engaged enthusiastically with the Panel Discussion, asking questions and connecting directly with graduates. Many described the session as motivating and practical, appreciating the chance to learn from peers who had successfully transitioned into the professional world.

The discussion strengthened ties between alumni and current students and underscored the university’s role as a hub for thoughtful dialogue and community building. Participants left with actionable insights on how education can break barriers, create opportunities, and equip Generation Z for future success.

The dinner aimed to establish a vibrant and engaged alumni community, encouraging former students to reconnect, share their academic and professional journeys, and explore opportunities for collaboration. It also sought to inspire alumni to become ambassadors for ���Ծ�������’s mission, fostering partnerships and promoting access to quality higher education.

Celebrating Partnerships and Impact
Sponsors and expressed their pride in supporting the event. Patrick Macharia, Head of Digital Sales and Portfolio Management at Standard Chartered Bank, commended the fruitful partnership with Unicaf, noting that 33 of their employees have already enrolled in a programme offered by one of Unicaf’s partner universities. Winnie Wandate, Channel Sales Manager – East Africa for Nescafé, praised ���Ծ�������’s role in empowering professionals and communities through education.

Inspiring Alumni to Own Their Narratives
In her opening remarks, Ms Winnie Rachael, Unicaf Country Manager in Kenya,  emphasised the importance of building a strong alumni network that serves as an extension of the Unicaf brand. She urged attendees to embrace their journeys and use their stories to inspire others and create new opportunities, while acknowledging the visionary leadership of Unicaf CEO Dr  Nicos Nicolaou in transforming lives through the scholarship initiative.

Guest speaker Dr Julian Rowa delivered a powerful session on personal branding, encouraging alumni to harness the power of storytelling to shape their professional identity, position themselves as thought leaders, and drive career growth.

Stories of Transformation
The evening featured moving testimonials from alumni, including:

• Stephanie Mkalama
• Julius Murithi, Communication Lead at Dignitas
• Dr. Ann Monicah, Medical Doctor at Mater Misericordiae Hospital (ICU/HDU)
  

These stories reflected ���Ծ�������’s transformative impact, from expanding career opportunities to enhancing professional skills and knowledge.

Launching the Unicaf Kenya Alumni Leadership
A democratic election was held to formally establish the Unicaf Kenya Alumni leadership team. Julius Murithi was elected Chairperson, with Stephanie Mkalama as Assistant Chairperson. Both will spearhead alumni engagement activities and work closely with Unicaf to support future initiatives.

Commitment to Lifelong Partnership
Closing the evening, Ms Winnie Rachael expressed heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, attendees, and speakers, reaffirming ���Ծ�������’s dedication to being a lifelong partner in the academic and professional growth of its graduates.