Update: The Malawi government has formally responded to a joint survey by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the International Telecommunication Union, which revealed that 86 percent of primary and secondary schools in the country lack internet connectivity. According to Nyasa Times and Xinhua, the report also found that roughly half of the schools operate without electricity, leaving students with critically limited access to digital learning devices. Minister of Education Bright Msaka and Minister of Information Shadreck Namalomba addressed the infrastructure crisis this week, announcing a government target to connect all schools to the internet by 2030. Namalomba further appealed to private businesses to treat school connectivity as a long-term investment rather than mere corporate social responsibility.
In higher education, the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) is holding new consultations to improve its academic programs. According to the university's official announcements, LUANAR engaged industry experts this week to review the curriculum for its Dietetics Programme. The initiative is designed to ensure that student training in nutrition and health matches current professional standards before graduation.