A young Zambian has brought pride to the nation after graduating with First Class Honours from the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering in Russia, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Economics with an exceptional Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.9.
Eliud Mwale is believed to be the first known Zambian to graduate with honours from the university’s Engineering Economics programme. His achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact that he completed the entire five-year degree programme in the Russian language, demonstrating both academic excellence and an extraordinary ability to adapt to a foreign environment.
Eliud’s educational journey began in 2008 at Chikando Basic School in Zambia’s Eastern Province. A year later, he relocated to Lusaka, where he continued his primary education at Kenneth David Kaunda Primary School before proceeding to Mikango Secondary School. Throughout his school years, he consistently distinguished himself as one of the institution’s top-performing students, laying the foundation for his future academic success.
Like many young Zambians, Eliud faced setbacks after completing secondary school in 2019. During the 2020–2021 recruitment exercise, he applied to join Zambia’s Defence and Security Forces but was not selected. Rather than allowing disappointment to derail his ambitions, he remained determined to pursue his dreams through education.
His perseverance paid off in 2021 when he secured admission to the prestigious Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, one of Russia’s leading institutions for engineering studies. His academic journey was made possible through a fully funded scholarship provided by the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB), enabling him to pursue his studies without the burden of financial constraints.
Five years of hard work, discipline and determination culminated in an outstanding academic performance that earned him First Class Honours and a remarkable GPA of 4.9. His success not only reflects his personal commitment to excellence but also demonstrates the potential of Zambian students to compete at the highest international academic level when given the necessary opportunities.
Eliud’s achievement is also a testament to the importance of government scholarship programmes in developing the country’s human capital. Investments in higher education continue to empower talented young Zambians to acquire world-class knowledge and skills that can ultimately contribute to national development.
His inspiring journey serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks do not define one’s future. What could have been a discouraging rejection from the defence forces became the beginning of a different path—one that led him to international academic distinction. His story illustrates that resilience, perseverance and unwavering commitment can transform challenges into opportunities.
As Zambia continues to invest in education and skills development, Eliud Mwale’s success stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work. It sends a powerful message to young people across the country that regardless of their background or circumstances, they can compete with the best in the world and excel.
Eliud Mwale has not only earned a prestigious degree but has also raised Zambia’s flag high on the global academic stage. His remarkable accomplishment will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of students to dream bigger, work harder and pursue excellence without limits.
Congratulations to Eliud Mwale on this outstanding achievement and for making Zambia proud.
By Brighton Mwanza