Dr Cecilia Ngwira: From night school to a degree with distinction
By Hastings Msosa
Few journeys capture the power of determination quite like that of Dr Cecilia Ngwira, a woman who once sat for her Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) at a night secondary school, but today stands as a PhD holder and Deputy Dean at Mzuzu University (Mzuni).
Born in Chileka, Blantyre but originally from Chilumba, Karonga, Dr Ngwira’s early education took her across several parts of Malawi. She began primary school at Kachanga in Chileka, Blantyre, before later learning at Chinkhuti in Lumbadzi and Ngara in Karonga. She eventually completed Standard 3 to 8 at Katoto LEA School in Mzuzu, experiences that shaped her determination to succeed.
After her secondary education at Enukweni Community Day Secondary School, she initially trained and worked as a journalist with the Malawi News Agency (MANA). Still determined to pursue higher education, she re-sat for the Malawi School Certificate of Education MSCE in 2006 at St Augustine’s Night Secondary School, where she scored 18 points, earning a chance to enter university.
Dr Ngwira excelled in her studies (Photo Credit: Internet)
At the time, study options for school leavers were limited. However, when Mzuzu University introduced the Bachelor of Science in Tourism programme, Dr Ngwira took the opportunity and enrolled, a decision that would shape her future. She excelled in her studies and graduated with a First Class degree. Just a month after graduating, she joined Mzuzu University in July 2011 as a Staff Associate, at the age of 28.
The university would later support her further studies. In 2013, she secured a Chinese government scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Hebei, with Mzuni granting her paid study leave. In 2017, she obtained another scholarship to study at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, with additional support from World Bank funding through Mzuni. Within just six years, Dr Ngwira had progressed to PhD level.
Today, she serves as a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Tourism, Hospitality and Management, Mzuni, popularly known as the “Faculty of Happiness.” She is also a regional editor for the International Journal of Tourism Research and a board member of the Malawi Tourism Council.
Despite her achievements, Dr Ngwira remains passionate about inspiring young women.
“Being a woman should never be a limitation to achieving your dream. Girls should dream in colours and pursue education boldly,” she said.
Dr Ngwira’s professional and academic journey, shows how transformative education can be.
