The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and the Association of Private Universities in Malawi (APUMA) have agreed to strengthen cooperation to improve higher education standards across the country. Speaking at APUMA's Annual General Meeting, NCHE Acting Chief Executive Officer John Sadalaki stated the council's plan to work closely with private institutions to ensure compliance with accreditation and registration requirements, according to MBC.
During the meeting, APUMA President Professor David Boston Kamchacha pointed out member concerns regarding accreditation processes, student selection, and policy matters. Kamchacha noted that quality control issues affect both public and private institutions, and he expressed hope that the new Higher Education Bill, which is expected to be presented to Parliament, will address these concerns, MBC reports.
In primary education news, a recent spot check in Salima District has revealed how household poverty continues to strain Malawi's free education policy. Although tuition fees have been removed to increase school access, many children remain out of classrooms to engage in informal income-generating activities, MBC reports. Families say the costs of essential learning materials, such as exercise books, uniforms, and exam fees, act as main obstacles preventing students from attending classes.