The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) requires E1 billion in capital investment to modernise its teaching facilities, expand information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and strengthen security.
The king said the substantial investment was necessary to improve the institution’s capacity to accommodate the growing demand for higher education and provide students with a conducive learning environment.
Speaking during the university’s graduation ceremony, His Majesty highlighted the urgent need to address challenges affecting the institution, including inadequate student accommodation and limited admission spaces.
He revealed that only 2 900 out of approximately 9 000 students had access to on-campus accommodation, leaving the majority without university-provided housing.
“The pressing issue regarding our student accommodation has seen only 2 900 out of 9 000 students have access to on-campus housing, leaving the majority in potentially unsafe off-campus situations,” the king said.
He called for public-private partnerships to help address the accommodation shortage, emphasising the need for stakeholders to work together to improve students’ living conditions.
The king also urged the implementation of the No Hungry Student Project to ensure that students receive the nutritional support necessary for their academic success.
Meanwhile, the shortage of admission spaces emerged as another pressing concern.
“This shows how eager Emaswati are to get an education. This is a concern and one that needs to be addressed urgently,” he said.
The king said the figures demonstrated the growing demand for higher education in the country and called for urgent consideration of expanding the country’s university infrastructure.
“This means we need to go back to the drawing boards, as it is clear that there is a need to build more universities and very soon. The inadequacy of spaces calls for all stakeholders to sit and devise strategies,” he said.
Despite the challenges, His Majesty commended UNESWA for producing 1 527 graduates, comprising 219 certificate holders, 15 diploma graduates, 1 148 degree graduates, 135 master’s graduates and 10 doctoral graduates.
The number represented a 1.1% increase compared with the previous year.
Reflecting on Eswatini’s historical standing in education within the region, the king said the country had the potential to reclaim its position as a leading centre of learning.
“When looking back within the region, education-wise, Emaswati are known to be producing many graduates. We have evidence in many leaders in some countries who were educated here. Eswatini used to be the centre of education in the region. We have the capability and capacity to become great,” he said.
The king further congratulated the graduands and wished them success as they explored their respective professional spaces.
| Qualification Level | Number of Graduates | Share of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Degrees | 1 148 | 75.18% |
| Certificates | 219 | 14.34% |
| Master’s Degrees | 135 | 8.84% |
| Diplomas | 15 | 0.98% |
| Doctoral Degrees (PhD) | 10 | 0.65% |
| Total Conferred | 1 527 | 100.0% (+1.1% YoY) |
Source: Official graduation address delivered by His Majesty King Mswati III.
| Key Metric / Strategic Priority | Reported Figure / Direction |
|---|---|
| Estimated Capital Investment Required | E1 billion (modernisation, ICT, security) |
| Total Student Population (Approx.) | 9 000 students |
| On-Campus Accommodation Capacity | 2 900 bed spaces (32.2%) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation Burden | Approx. 6 100 students (67.8%) |
| Recommended Housing Model | Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) |
| Student Nutrition Initiative | No Hungry Student Project |
| Tertiary Expansion Policy | Stakeholders urged to plan and construct additional universities |
Source: UNESWA Chancellor’s Address, His Majesty King Mswati III.
