12/04/2025
Solomon Mwansa’s journey to becoming UNZA’s best graduating student
By James Mwale and Gerald Mambwe
On May 23, 2025, Solomon Mwansa will walk majestically to the graduation stage at the University of Zambia (UNZA), not just as an ordinary graduate but as an extra ordinary best Public Relations and Advertising(PRA) performing student with a distinction grade under the Media and Communications Department(MCD) since 2022.
Not only is he graduating as best student in the department but also as a best student in the entire School of Humanities and Social Sciences (Sch. HSS) .
His journey to this remarkable achievement, however, was anything but conventional. From multiple rejections to finally securing a spot at UNZA, Mwansa’s story is one of resilience, perseverance and commitment to education.
Born in 1980, Mwansa grew up in a family of nine as the second-born child. His mother, Agness, lives from Mufulira, while his late father, Mwandu, played a significant role in shaping his values. Growing up with several sisters, Mwansa learned the significance of responsibility and perseverance early on.
His academic journey started in 1986 at Mufulira Central Primary School before moving to Muleya Winta Basic School in 1993. By 1995, he had advanced to Secondary School, completing his studies in 1997. As a visionary student, he secured a place at the Copperbelt University (CBU) in 1999 to study forestry.
While he progressed academically, his career took him through various institutions, including the Mufulira Municipal Council(MMC), Lusaka City Council(LCC), and the Electoral Commission of Zambia(ECZ), before he eventually joined ZESCO, Zambia's power utility, in 2005.
Despite his balanced career, Mwansa’s passion for higher education never faded out. However, the rough road to UNZA was filled with setbacks. From 2015 to 2020, he faced multiple rejections in his university applications. The disappointment was disheartening but he never lost hope.
Finally, his persistence paid off in 2020 when a senior manager in human resources at ZESCO informed him about an opportunity for employees to further their education.
When he went to collect his acceptance letter, where he had applied at UNZA's School of Engineering, an assistant academic officer advised him to switch from engineering to Public Relations and Advertising(PRA), a decision that would eventually shape his academic and professional path.
Returning to school after years in the workforce was not a smooth road. Mwansa quickly realised that he needed to adapt to a fast paced learning environment filled with younger students, equally knowledgeable.Determined to excel, he formed a study group with some of the brightest minds in his class, Mike Tembo, Gift Chaaba to mention but a few.
Their hard work paid off, particularly during their first test with retired lecturer Sister Rose, where only three students passed with Mwansa being one of them.
This experience reinforced his belief that success required dedication. As a married man with three children, he had to juggle multiple responsibilities while staying committed to his studies.
His family became his biggest source of motivation, with his son who is also a student at UNZA turning their academic progress into a friendly zone competition.
His youngest daughter would oftenly ask, "Daddy, are you going to school today?" According to Mwansa such moments pushed him to keep going even when challenges arose.
Mwansa’s journey to becoming the best graduating student was fueled by discipline, consistency and perseverance . He acknowledges the crucial role played by his lecturers, classmates and friends who supported him excel academically, financially and morally.
"Surrounding yourself with the right people is key to success," he emphasised.His gratitude extends to ZESCO for granting him study leave, which allowed him to focus entirely on his education.
The ability to fully immerse himself in his studies contributed hugely to his outstanding academic performance.Mwansa’s academic journey does not end here. He has planned to pursue a master’s degree in Corporate Communication, aiming to further polish up his career.
While he initially intended to start his postgraduate studies in May, he has decided to wait until he officially receives his degree certificate.
Beyond personal ambitions, Mwansa hopes to give back to UNZA, the institution that shaped his professional growth. He believes that education is the greatest equalizer and urges students to take their studies seriously.
"Education can transform lives, but only if one puts in the effort," he notes.Mwansa’s story is an example to the power of resilience and determination. From repeated rejections to emerging as the best student overall.
Mwansa has proven beyond reasonable doubt that with hard work, anything is possible. As he prepares to graduate, he leaves behind an inspiring legacy for future UNZA students to follow through.
UNZA Media and Communications, Head of Department(HoD), Brenda Bukowa, who was one of Mwansa’s lecturers, described him as a naturally intelligent and wise student.
“Mwansa is one of those students who placed himself on the same level as his classmates, especially considering that he also works. He is just naturally intelligent,”Dr Bukowa said.
Dr Bukowa added that despite Mwansa being older than most of his fellow students, he still managed to collaborate well with them.
Meanwhile, Mwansa’s workmate and close friend, Cornelius Phiri, described him as a brave, dedicated and highly motivated individual.
Phiri further said Mwansa is someone who always puts in his best effort when given a task to complete.
For students aspiring to succeed, Mwansa offers valuable advice to students.He encouraged all students to take education seriously,use university freedom wisely, never miss classes and stay committed.
