The University of Malawi will for the first time since its inauguration in 1965 celebrates its Golden Jubilee scheduled for September next year.

The celebrations will be held as one way of acknowledging its contribution to the social economic development of the country.

Speaking during a press briefing ahead of the 50th anniversary celebrations held on Friday in Blantyre at , Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malawi Professor Al Mtenje said the celebrations are scheduled to be held in the last two weeks of September reaching the climax on the 29th.

“The reasons for celebrating the Golden Jubilee is that we have made tremendous contribution to the social-economic development of the country especially the human capital through the graduates who have been produced over the years.

“We have also acquired an international reputation for high academic standards over the years which we need to protect,” said Mtenje.

He also said the Golden Jubilee would involve research displays and publications, poetry and essay competitions, cultural dances, prayers by both students and Alumni from within the country and abroad.

Mtenje said the budget for the Golden Jubilee is pegged at MK265 million and so far the UNIMA has managed to raise MK65 million.

University of Malawi was established in 1965 at Chichiri Campus with an enrollment of 52 students, two post graduate and 50 undergraduate students.