By Elywin Chighali Mhango
In a push to ensure quality education in Malawi, over 65,000 teachers have successfully secured teaching licenses out of the 100,000 initially registered educators, according to the Ministry of Education. The deadline for obtaining these licenses was the 30th of September, 2024, but has now been extended to the 31st of December, 2024.
Mphatso Nkuonera, the Public Relations Officer for the ministry, lauded the compliance of teachers in acquiring these licenses. The extension of the deadline was deemed necessary due to the overwhelming number of applications received towards the end of September, causing delays in the registration process.
“The Teachers Council of Malawi (TCM) was instituted by the Education Act of 2013 to oversee teacher registration, licensing, and the maintenance of teaching standards in the country,” Nkuonera highlighted. “It is vital for all teachers to hold licenses as per TCM’s mandate to safeguard the integrity of the teaching profession.”
Nkuonera emphasized that post the revised deadline of December 31st, 2024, educators who remain unlicensed will no longer be recognized as official teachers in accordance with the laws governing the sector. The TCM has consistently upheld teacher licensing as a key responsibility since its establishment.
Education stakeholders stress the pivotal role of education in shaping the nation’s future, highlighting the significance of properly licensed teachers in delivering quality education. Compliance with licensing regulations is seen as a fundamental step towards maintaining professional standards within the teaching community.
The Ministry of Education urges all remaining teachers to expedite their licensing processes before the approaching deadline to ensure their continued eligibility to teach in Malawi. “Education is key, and proper licensing of teachers is a cornerstone in ensuring the delivery of high-quality education to our students,” Nkuonera reiterated.
