By Emily M’mangisa

Zomba, August 29, Mana: Vice Chancellor for University of Malawi (UNIMA), Professor Samson Sajidu has challenged newly graduated students to be creative to survive pressure in the industry.

Speaking during a graduation ceremony on Thursday at UNIMA in Zomba, Sajidu noted that creativity is the key to supplementing papers obtained from institutions of higher learning.

Sajidu’s remarks came against the background that most graduates are just languishing, waiting to secure formal employment by unknown prospective employers.

He said the market is being saturated by graduates who have nothing to do; thereby, demeaning the prowess of education.

The Vice Chancellor, however, warned graduates against being involved in corrupt acts.

“At this university, we don’t teach stealing or corruption tricks. If you find a graduate from this university involved in corruption, deal with him or her. We don’t teach corruption here, they are tainting the image of this highly recommended university,” Sajidu said.

Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Christopher Guta echoed remarks by Sajidu, urging graduates to put into use skills acquired from the college.

Guta said implementation of good ideas remains a stumbling block to development, saying Rwanda copied Malawi’s Vision 2020 and executed it while the country is still lagging in projections of the vision.

Director responsible for Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Levi’s Eneya said government expects the new graduates to be innovative, saying: “We look up to you, be ambassadors of progress.”

One of the graduates, Comfort Mankhwazi promised the nation to dedicate the knowledge and skills gained through university education for the benefit of a common man.

At least 1 292 have graduated where 508 are females while 784 are males. Among the students, four have graduated with PhDs, 154 with masters, 1 002 with bachelor's degrees, eight postgraduate diplomas, 107 diplomas and 16 with certificates.

This marks the second congregation of 2024, following the first one held on March 13 and 14, earlier this year.