National Bank of Malawi (NBM) presented excellence awards to 14 brainy University of Malawi students at the Malawi Polytechnic in Blantyre.

This is 39th year since NBM started awarding  Unima’s finest students.

NBM Chief Executive Officer Mcfussy Kawawa said his firm believes that it is only through the promotion of diligent pursuit of excellence by every citizen at all levels of society that Malawians can achieve success and progress.

The awardees are a manifestation of what happens when people apply themselves towards the pursuit of excellence. They get recognition and being recognized for achievement is the greatest reward that any person worth self-respect and honor yearns for.

“In the process of pursuit of excellence, fruits are born for both doer and the society at large.’’ Kawawa said.

NBM Chief Executive urged Unima to up its game in the area for research so as to come up with innovations that would improve the lives of Malawians.

“Universities are oasis of knowledge, understanding and discovery. Research is an integral and critical part of any university worth its credibility. The bank therefore is expecting that our universities will double their energies in the areas of research in order to bring our community new body of knowledge that will help change our society for the better.’’ Kawawa said.

Each one of the awardees received a visa debit card loaded with an equivalent of their annual fees. NBM has spent a total of K5million on the awards.
Unima Vice chancellor, John Saka said the NBM awards have a positive impact on students by encouraging them hard work, diligence and discipline among those who are consistently star performers.

Saka said Unima appreciates the support it gets from NBM.

‘’Both Unima and NBM share a similar commitment to excellence; this is enshrined in our vision statements.’’ Saka said.

A representative of the awardees, Ulemu Hannah Kanyongolo, thanked NBM for the recognition and promised to work hard in class.