UNIMA Celebrates Legacy of Late Professor Kings M. Phiri
The University of Malawi (UNIMA) has honoured the life, scholarship and enduring legacy of the late Professor Kings M. Phiri, one of the University’s distinguished historians, through an international conference held on 8th September 2026.
Organised by the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies, with support from the Centre for Social Research and the Department of Politics and Government, the conference was held under the theme “Celebrating a Life of Scholarship, Service and Faith.”
The conference brought together academics, former students, colleagues, friends and members of the Phiri family, including his wife, Mrs Phiri.
Professor Phiri, who passed away on 5th June 2023, is remembered for his significant contribution to the study and teaching of Malawian and African history.
Through his scholarship, teaching and mentorship, he influenced generations of students and scholars while contributing to a deeper understanding of Malawi’s historical experiences within the wider African context.
Professor Phiri joined UNIMA in the early 1970s and served the University in various capacities, including as Head of Postgraduate Studies.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sunduzwayo Madise, who opened the conference on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of the University, described Professor Phiri as an exceptional teacher, generous mentor and public intellectual whose life exemplified intellectual integrity, humility and service.
Speaking on behalf of the Phiri family, his wife, Mrs Phiri, expressed profound gratitude to UNIMA for organising the conference, describing the gathering as a source of comfort and strength for the family.
She also reflected on Professor Phiri’s character, highlighting his selflessness, hard work and commitment to others.
The conference featured about two dozen papers presented in parallel sessions, exploring themes connected to Professor Phiri’s areas of research, including precolonial African history, governance, faith and indigenous knowledge.
Renowned researchers took turns presenting the papers, among them Professor Chiwoza Bandawe, Professor Happy Kayuni, Professor Kenneth Ross and Professor Boston Soko.
Beyond the academic presentations, the conference provided an opportunity for former students, colleagues and scholars to reflect on Professor Phiri’s contribution as an academic, teacher and mentor.
Executive Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Dr Emmanuel Ngwira, said there are plans to make the conference an annual event as part of efforts to preserve and sustain Professor Phiri’s intellectual legacy.
The conference also unveiled several initiatives aimed at ensuring that his legacy continues to benefit future generations. These include the proposed Kings Phiri Scholarship Fund, which will support financially disadvantaged students pursuing History and related disciplines; the Kings Phiri Annual Memorial Lecture; and an Oral History and Memory Project to document and preserve testimonies from his former students, colleagues and community members.
Dr Madise said these initiatives will help extend Professor Phiri’s legacy beyond his academic work.
“I urge all of us gathered here to lend these initiatives our full support, so that Professor Phiri’s name continues to open doors for young Malawians in the way that he himself so often did,” he said.
As part of the conference programme, participants also witnessed the launch of Malawi at 60, a volume that continues the tradition of rigorous reflection on the nation’s journey that Professor Phiri did much to establish.
Through the conference and the proposed legacy initiatives, UNIMA is not only remembering Professor Kings M. Phiri but also creating avenues through which his commitment to scholarship, mentorship and service can continue to inspire and support future generations of students and scholars.
