KUHeS holds inaugural congregation
On November 12, 2024, a remarkable milestone was achieved as 102 students became the first graduates of the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) since the merger of Kamuzu College of Nursing (KCN) and the College of Medicine (COM).
The inaugural graduation ceremony was graced by the official installation of President Lazarus Chakwera as KUHeS’s first Chancellor. During the ceremony, he conferred certificates, diplomas, and degrees to the accomplished graduates, including five exceptional female students who graduated with distinctions.
In his address as Chancellor, President Chakwera expressed his honor and privilege in celebrating this historic occasion with the university community.
“Today marks a significant event not just for you, the graduates, but for all of us gathered here. We are privileged to witness this moment as you become the first graduates of KUHeS, while I am equally honored to be inaugurated as its first Chancellor,” he stated.
The event was filled with many firsts, including the launch of the KUHeS Anthem, the raising of the university flag, the unveiling of a ten-year strategic plan, and the introduction of a flywhisk that will be a permanent feature during graduation ceremonies.
This flywhisk, an esteemed artifact once used by Malawi’s first President, Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, has been donated to KUHeS in honor of the late President.
President Chakwera praised KUHeS for cultivating a unique culture that distinguishes it from other universities.
“I am impressed by the fusion of history and modernity displayed through the incorporation of the iconic flywhisk into your graduation ceremony, honoring the Father and Founder of the Malawi nation. There is no university more deserving of this honor than KUHeS, for it was President Banda who laid the groundwork for health sciences education in this country,” he remarked.
The President encouraged the graduating students to take their places in the world and make a positive impact.
“I have no doubt that as healthcare workers, you will rise as trained professionals in Malawi, contributing significantly to the healthcare system. Remember that the investment made in your education is an investment in the future health of our nation,” he affirmed.
KUHeS Chairperson of Council, Professor Francis Moto, reiterated the university’s commitment to contributing positively to Malawi’s healthcare system.
“We know that these graduates will go forth and make a difference in the world, and we take pride in being part of that contribution,” he said.
Vice Chancellor Professor Macpherson Mallewa highlighted KUHeS’s aspiration to become a beacon of hope and excellence in healthcare.
He reaffirmed the institution’s vision for a world-class Kamuzu University Teaching Hospital (KUTH) and a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical center.
In light of recent media reports concerning counterfeit medicines in Malawi, Professor Mallewa indicated that KUHeS is taking action.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, we approached potential financial institutions, and I am excited to report that the World Bank has allocated K4.7 billion to KUHeS to tackle the issue of fake medicines,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of ethics and integrity in the healthcare profession, urging graduates to uphold the highest standards.
“Integrity is the cornerstone of healthcare. Always prioritize patient welfare and commit to honesty and fairness in your decisions. Remember why you chose this path; our profession plays a vital role in safeguarding lives,” he concluded.
As outlined in Section 7(1) of the KUHeS Act No. 20 of 2019, the university has the authority to admit students, confer degrees, diplomas, and certificates, award honorary degrees, provide affiliation status to other institutions, and offer well-informed opinions on societal issues.
