"We made it!" - Class of 2019
The University of Eswatini hosted the 39th graduation ceremony at the Kwaluseni Campus where a total of 1531 candidates were awarded with certificates, Diplomas, and conferred with Bachelor’s Degrees and Masters Degrees, recording an increase of 2.5% in the number of graduates when compared to the previous year.
It was a joyous and colorful occasion for family, friends and UNESWA staff as 304 students were awarded with certificates and Diplomas, 1148 conferred with Degrees, 77 with Masters while 2 completed their PhD Degrees. The day-long event was a product of the hard work and many years of sacrifice made by students, parents and lecturers alike.
Guests were already seated on the day by 9am and the event started with a number of processions by graduands, Academic Staff, Senate, Council and the Chancellor’s procession. The Graduation was fun filled, with entertaining acts by traditional dance groups as well as choral music.
The event was graced by the presence of His Majesty King Mswati III, the Chancellor of the University of Eswatini, members of the Royal Family, The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini His Excellency Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, Cabinet Ministers, Members of both houses of Parliament and the Vice Chancellor of UNESWA, Professor Justice Thwala and distinguished invited guests to name a few.
Speaking to the graduates and everyone present during the Graduation Ceremony, His Majesty congratulated them for their remarkable achievement. He mentioned that Government continues to allocate a large budget amount towards education in the country, which indicates the country’s commitment to education for all. His Majesty pointed out that the country was experiencing a shortage of skilled personnel in the health, ICT & Science and Engineering sectors hence they remain a priority for the country. He encouraged UNESWA to be innovative and come up with means to raise funds in order to mitigate this gap. He acknowledged that the University has witnessed noticeable growth over the years, and had established facilities and academic programs available for students.
“Graduation is a time to celebrate and triumph and marks the end of one phase and the beginning of the next one. It is a very proud moment for the graduates, parents and lecturers who have all played their part in the end result”, he said.
A total of 30 graduands were awarded with certificates and prizes of excellence during the Graduation Ceremony for performing exceptionally well in the different subjects they were studying.
The vision of UNESWA is to become the University of Choice in Africa and the institution’s mission is to be responsive to national and international needs through excellence in teaching and learning, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement for sustainable development. The Institution continues to put effort in preparation for its 40th Graduation, marking a huge milestone in the education sector in Eswatini.