By Burnett Munthali
Minister of Higher Education Jessie Kabwila has raised serious concerns over the integrity of some theological institutions in Malawi.
She has observed that these institutions are awarding degrees that do not meet the required academic standards.
This revelation is alarming because it highlights the presence of substandard education in the country, which undermines the credibility of Malawi’s higher education system.
Such institutions fail to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills, leading to the production of graduates who may not be competent in their respective fields.
Kabwila made these remarks during the Boma Likutinji press briefing in Lilongwe on Friday.
Her public statement signifies a strong governmental stance on tackling academic fraud and ensuring that the education sector maintains high standards.
By addressing this issue in a formal government setting, Kabwila has demonstrated the seriousness of the matter and her ministry’s commitment to reform.
To curb the malpractice, Kabwila assured the public that appropriate action will be taken against institutions that fail to comply with set academic standards.
This is a crucial step in ensuring that students receive genuine education that meets both national and international benchmarks.
Regulating theological institutions will also protect students from investing time and money in degrees that hold no real academic value.
The minister vowed to maintain strict academic standards across all higher learning institutions to restore equality in the education sector.
Ensuring equality in higher education is vital for providing all students, regardless of the institution they attend, with fair opportunities for success.
By enforcing strict academic policies, Kabwila’s ministry is working towards creating an education system that upholds fairness, integrity, and excellence.
She further stated that her ministry will ensure that all private universities employ well-qualified lecturers.
This measure is essential because the quality of education depends largely on the competence of lecturers.
Employing underqualified individuals as lecturers weakens the learning process and deprives students of proper academic guidance.
Kabwila also addressed the issue of sex-for-grades in some universities, where lecturers exploit students in exchange for academic favors.
Sex-for-grades is a serious academic and ethical violation that has been reported in various institutions, and it significantly affects students’ academic performance and emotional well-being.
By acknowledging this issue publicly, Kabwila is sending a strong warning to those involved in such unethical practices.
She assured the public that her ministry would take action against lecturers who engage in this malpractice and introduce measures to protect students.
Kabwila also stated that her ministry would ensure that only qualified individuals are employed in public universities to prevent substandard work.
This statement highlights the need for a recruitment system based on merit rather than favoritism or political connections.
Ensuring that only competent individuals are employed in universities will improve the quality of research, teaching, and learning.
Regarding Mombela University, she confirmed that construction is ongoing, with the fencing currently in progress.
This development indicates the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education by establishing new institutions.
She further stated that the construction of the main infrastructure is set to commence in May this year.
The timeline for construction is crucial because it gives students, educators, and policymakers a clear picture of when the university will become operational.
The minister emphasized the importance of innovation in universities, encouraging students to develop entrepreneurial skills.
This shift from traditional education to a more practical, skill-based system is necessary in today’s economic environment, where job opportunities are limited.
“Our goal is to produce graduates who are self-reliant, not just job seekers. We are fostering a culture of innovation and self-employment,” she said.
This vision aligns with the broader goal of transforming Malawi’s education system to produce graduates who can contribute meaningfully to national development.
By prioritizing innovation and self-employment, Kabwila’s ministry is equipping students with the necessary tools to create jobs rather than solely relying on the government or private sector for employment.
Her ministry’s strong stance on academic malpractice and higher education reform is a crucial step toward improving the quality, credibility, and fairness of Malawi’s education system.
Through these efforts, Kabwila is setting a solid foundation for an education system that prioritizes competence, ethics, and real-world application of knowledge.
