The Catholic Bishops under the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) have appointed Rev. Fr. Dr. Wilfred Sumani S.J. as acting Vice-Chancellor for the Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA) effective July 3, 2023.
In a letter dated June 30, 2023, signed by University Council Chairman Most Rev. Thomas Luke Msusa, the appointment follows the expiration of the tenure of Rev. Fr. Dr. George Buleya, who has served as Vice-Chancellor for eight years.
“The Episcopal Conference of Malawi trusts that you will demonstrate and display the high leadership skills that the institution needs and pledges to support you in serving the Church in this capacity.” Reads part of the letter.
Until his appointment, Rev. Fr. Dr. Sumani was the Director of Academic Affairs at CUNIMA, following his appointment in 2021 by the Catholic Bishops.
Rev.Fr. Dr. Sumani is a Malawi-born Jesuit priest who has served in different academic portfolios, among them as a lecturer at Hekima Jesuit School of Theology in Nairobi, Kenya.
He holds several publications, including Mothers of Faith: Motherhood in the Christian Tradition.
Rev.Fr. Dr. Sumani obtained his doctorate in sacred liturgy from the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy, Sant’Anselmo, in 2015.