Freshman class of 2023 matriculates formally adding their names to the institution’s admissions roll
11 August 2023
Over 500 freshmen and women were officially inducted into Africa University’s admissions roll after matriculating on Friday the 11th of August 2023 in the Kwang Lim Chapel. Held annually to welcome and offer an opportunity for first years to commit themselves to the university’s code of conduct, ethics and mores, the matriculation ceremony is a unique way of settling students into the institution and its diverse community.
Vice Chancellor Reverend Professor Peter Mageto in his opening remarks to the incoming class of 2023 reinforced the decision of the first years and their parents for choosing Africa University as an institution of choice for higher education on the continent. “Your presence here is not by mistake, you earned your right to be here. You have proven your dedication, hard work, and academic prowess, and for that, you deserve our utmost admiration. As you embark on this exciting journey of university education, I encourage you to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Africa University is not just a place of learning; it is a place where dreams are nurtured, talents are honed, and lifelong friendships are forged, hence our motto; The Dream is Alive! In the next four years for most of you, you will be exposed to a wealth of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and transformative experiences. Our esteemed faculty members will guide you, challenge you, and inspire you to push the boundaries of your intellectual capabilities. Embrace every lecture, every discussion, and every assignment as an opportunity to grow and expand your horizons. “
Prof. Mageto went on to invite the Interim Deputy Vice Chancellor and Director of Research and Innovation Professor Pamela Machakanja, Dean of the School of Law, Dr. Nhenga, Head of Public Health Dr. Elton Mugomeri and Innovation Hub Manager Ms. Yollanda Washaya to speak to the university’s excellence in research, child rights, product development and innovation respectively to expose students to the myriad opportunities available to them throughout their course of study to be a part of.
Serving motivation and the need to approach university life and academics holistically, SRC President Mr. Zade Patel encouraged the future graduands and gave reassurance of the commitment and support of the SRC to their journey. ” As the Student Representative Council, we are here to support you every step of the way. We are a team of dedicated students who are committed to ensuring that your time here is enriching, fulfilling, and memorable. While we like to have fun and make the most of our university experience, we are also serious about our responsibilities as leaders and representatives of the student body. We expect that you shall have the same spirit in your journey- take in all that university has to offer, but always keep at the core of everything you do the reason why you are here. The hopes, dreams and future of your family rests upon you, and your only mission for the next four to five years is to not let them down. You will stumble, you will fall, but you must learn to pick yourself up each and every time. That is all that is asked of you.”
In the response on behalf of the class of 2023, International Relations student Tatenda Mundangepfupfu reminded his fellows of the opportunity given and the platform to shine academically and grow both mentally and spiritually. He said, “Each one of us brings a unique story, a distinct set of experiences, and a wealth of untapped potential. We are the architects.
for the future of Africa. Here at Africa University, we will be provided with the tools, resources, and support to help us shape that Africa we want to see! Here, we will be challenged to think critically, to question the status quo, and to push the boundaries of our knowledge. Today we begin writing the story of the rest of our lives. This is not an opportunity to be squandered, to be taken for granted or worse still, looked upon with a spirit of ingratitude. Always remember, there was someone who prayed to be where you are right now, but because of circumstances beyond
their control, they were not able to. You are blessed, you are chosen and within you, lies greatness. Now is the time to show what we are made of and make our families and ourselves proud.”
Tatenda said on the sidelines of the ceremony that he was proud to not only represent the incoming class of 2023 but also those from the disabled community on campus calling the opportunity a great honour.
