By Wadza Botomani
The Minister of Higher Education, Hon. Dr. Jessie Kabwila, has assured Malawians that the government remains dedicated to making higher education more accessible and of better quality. She delivered this message at the University of Malawi graduation ceremony held in the Great Hall in Zomba on Friday, where 1,350 students received their certificates, diplomas, and degrees, including 6 PhDs. Notably, 45.5 percent of the graduates were women.
Dr. Kabwila praised the graduating class for their hard work, congratulating the 21 students who earned distinctions in fields such as Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Law, Economics, Chemistry, Arts, Communication, Design, Education, and Humanities. She explained that the government has removed restrictive barriers to university entry and is now providing loans and bursaries to support students from poor families and those living with disabilities.
The Minister also highlighted significant investments in infrastructure and technology, announcing the construction of new hostels, lecture rooms, an administration block, and libraries. She applauded the University of Malawi for its Device Empowerment Programme, which will assist every student in owning a laptop on loan. Dr. Kabwila added that the government is covering 90 percent of university fees through direct funding, bursaries, and loans to ensure no student drops out due to financial hardship. She also stressed that under President Chakwera’s leadership, universities have operated independently without political interference, resulting in no premature university closures since 2020.
