By Rahim Abdul
The Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) has taken a major step toward strengthening the management of national examinations by acquiring land at 7 Miles in Zomba District.
The land purchase is part of MANEB’s long term plan to construct large, permanent warehouses and facilities for storing examination related materials used during the registration, administration and marking of exams.
MANEB Director of Administration, Dorothy Namputa, confirmed the development, saying the institution has already begun construction works on the newly acquired site.
According to Namputa, the facilities will serve as dedicated centers for examination marking, replacing the temporary arrangements MANEB has relied on for many years.
She explained that MANEB has historically depended on hired spaces, particularly school classrooms, to conduct marking exercises and store sensitive materials.
These rented facilities, she noted, often present logistical and operational challenges, including limited space, security concerns, and disruptions to normal school activities.
Namputa said the lack of permanent infrastructure has at times affected the smooth flow of examination processes, especially during peak marking periods.
The new facilities are expected to provide a stable and secure environment for handling examination materials, which are critical to the credibility of the national assessment system.
MANEB believes the investment will significantly improve efficiency, coordination, and confidentiality in the administration of examinations across the country.
The move is also seen as a cost-saving measure in the long run, as the board will reduce its dependence on rented premises.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a positive step toward modernizing examination management in Malawi.
Once completed, the Zomba facilities are expected to enhance MANEB’s operational capacity and reinforce public confidence in the integrity of national examinations.
