21 Oct 2024

Ms Chedza Julius, has been honoured with the University of Botswana 2024 Valedictorian honour.

Throughout her university education, Ms Julius, who completed her degree with an outstanding and rare CGPA of 4.9, maintained great focus and the best grades.

Elaborating on the honour, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teaching and Learning, Professor Richard Tabulawa said it was given to a student who had demonstrated overall academic excellence and leadership qualities for the duration of their studies at the university.

Ms Julius also received the Vice Chancellor’s prize. The prize, which is awarded annually by the Senate to the most outstanding full time first degree graduate, encouraging a sense of responsibility among students at the University, was donated by Mr David Magang and family.

Ms Julius was also offered a one-year internship by First National Bank Botswana (FNBB)

Sharing the academic profile of the UB 2024 recipient of the Valedictorian honour, Prof. Tabulawa said Ms Julius ,a native of Tsamaya in the North East District, was single-handedly raised by her mother in a household deeply rooted in the values of self-respect, strength, and discipline.

Prof. Tabulawa said the values shaped her character and became her guiding light throughout her academic journey.

Ms Julius started off at Newton primary before transferring to Legae Primary School.

Prof. Tabulawa said the early years formed in her, a solid base for self-discovery, general exploration of interests and character-building.

From Legae Primary School, Ms Julius proceeded to Legae Academy for her secondary education, where she concentrated on her studies and formed a supportive network of like-minded, high-achieving peers. 

“Together, they pushed each other towards success and their efforts culminated in her being named the best Form Three student,” he said

He said Ms Julius continued her path of success, completing her IGCSE exams with a distinction and being counted among top achievers. Afterwards, she enrolled to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences at the University of Botswana, initially taking a double major in Economics and Sociology.

She later developed a deep passion for Statistics and decided to read for a single major in Statistics.

Despite her rigorous academic schedule, Ms Julius found time to give back to the community, volunteering occasionally with the Rotaract Botswana Club and assisting as an usher during the University of Botswana’s graduation ceremonies. Prof. Tabulawa said Ms Julius exceptional performance was testament to her determination and perseverance, describing her as a true embodiment of the finest qualities that any parent and university can instil.

Addressing the 42^nd UB graduates, Ms Julius said some embarked on the academic voyage with eager anticipation, others with trepidation. “For many, it was a long cherished opportunity, a gateway to a better future. For others, it may have felt daunting, as though we had been cast into the deep end, uncertain of what lay ahead,” she said.

Ms Julius said the university was an intimidating expanse, filled with unknown challenges, rigorous expectations and a weight of responsibility.

“This place has become more than just an institution, it has become our second home. It became a sanctuary of learning and self-discovery, where knowledge was not simply imparted, but awakened within us,” she said, describing how the institution overtime warmed up to her and her peers.

She said the graduates had been nurtured by an environment that encouraged not only academic excellence, but intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.

Ms Julius applauded parents, families and friends for their support throughout her childhood and academic journey. “Without your love, your sacrifices, your financial and emotional support, this day would not have been possible,” she said.

To those who were still pursuing their studies, Ms Julius said they must remember that success was not measured by ease, but by the perseverance and dedication invested in the process.

She said what graduates were stepping into was filled with complex challenges, be it social, economic and environmental, but was also brimming with possibilities. “We have learned not only to survive, but to thrive in the face of adversity,” she said. Ends