Unicaf University in Zambia Celebrates Fifth Graduation
Unicaf University in Zambia hosted its fifth graduation ceremony with the theme “Empowering Sustainable Growth through Digital Innovation in Higher Education”. The Ceremony was held at the new, state-of-the-art Unicaf University campus on Kasangula Road, and it was graced by the presence of the Honourable Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Mr. Collins Nzovu, MP and other dignitaries. A total of 712 students from more than 100 countries have been awarded their Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees this year. Over one hundred graduands attended the Graduation Ceremony in Lusaka, while many more watched the proceedings live on the University’s social media, together with their families and friends.
Speaking at the Ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Mr. Collins Nzovu MP, emphasised that education is the cornerstone of transformation and has the power to unlock sustainable growth, bridging the gap between knowledge and the innovative solutions desperately needed today. Unicaf University, the Minister said, exemplifies this transformation, democratising education and keeping the doors to knowledge open to all.
Addressing this year’s graduates, Minister Nzovu stated: ‘Sustainability requires us to take responsibility for the planet. I urge you to integrate sustainability into every aspect of your professional journey. Think not only of profit and growth but of the long-term impact your work will have on the environment and on society. Use your education to connect digital innovations to real-world problems. It is vital that we build economies, industries, and communities that do not deplete our planet’s resources but promote a balance between progress and preservation.”
Unicaf University’s Vice-Chancellor at the Federal Level, Dr Kevin Andrews, stated in his speech that Unicaf and its University partners have been at the forefront of a new era of education, pioneering online learning models that provide access to quality higher education for thousands of students across the globe, surmounting financial, geographical, and societal barriers. To the graduates of 2024 Dr Andrews said: “Our emphasis on digital learning has been acknowledged globally, with the prestigious PIEoneer Award, a recognition of our transformative impact on higher education worldwide. I encourage you to use the digital tools and innovative approaches you’ve acquired to build sustainable solutions, to uplift your communities, and to empower others.”
Speaking about the importance of combining sustainability with innovation, the Vice- Chancellor of Unicaf University in Zambia, Dr Christine Phiri Mushibwe stated: “At Unicaf University we believe that sustainable growth is not just about maintaining what we know, but expanding it through new ideas and technologies.” To the graduates, the Vice-Chancellor said: “Sustainable growth means staying competitive, staying curious, and staying open to the endless possibilities that digital innovation can offer. You are entering a world where technology is reshaping every industry, every job, and every community. The digital tools at your disposal give you the ability to take what has been and transform it into something better, something that serves not only the present but also the future.”
The Chancellor of Unicaf University in Zambia, Professor Mpazi Sinjela, shared these words of wisdom with the graduates: ‘You are graduating at a time when the world is beset with problems affecting the global community. Solving such global problems requires new thinking, new approaches and new methodologies. Transformative education is the ‘process of deep, constructive and meaningful learning that goes beyond simple knowledge acquisition and supports critical ways in which learners consciously make meaning of their lives.’ And this is precisely what we offer at Unicaf University in Zambia. It is up to you to carry forward the torch of innovation, to be the creators and leaders who push boundaries and explore new frontiers.”
Representing all graduates of 2024, Dr Buyiswa Mokhosi from South Africa shared a vote of thanks and her personal experience: ‘The Unicaf Scholarship I received was a lifeline. It opened doors to opportunities, enabling me to pursue a dream that once felt out of reach. The flexibility of Unicaf University’s programme was invaluable, allowing me to manage my time and progress at my own pace, while balancing family duties, work, and study. But what truly enriched my experience were the connections I built with fellow students from Jamaica, Nigeria, Zambia, and Kenya. Our interactions transformed this online journey into a shared adventure, where we learned from each other’s diverse perspectives. The internationally recognised Doctoral degree from Unicaf University has already transformed my life in profound ways, opening doors to new opportunities, such as the potential to apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE.”
Written by Eva Koursoumba