By Burnett Munthali
University of Malawi (Unima) Education students are breathing a sigh of relief after university management scrapped the contentious 9th semester tuition fees.
The decision follows demonstrations staged by the students at the Unima campus, demanding that the fees for the 9th semester be removed.
In a memo dated September 29, Registrar Martin Matululu confirmed that all current 4th-year Education students will not be required to pay tuition fees for the 9th semester.
The university also stated that a new curriculum is being developed, in which Teaching Practice will be embedded within eight semesters, starting with the current 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year cohorts.
According to the memo, “The new curriculum will have eight semesters, effectively resolving the issue of 9th semester fees and extra costs.”
Observers say this decision addresses long-standing student concerns and reduces financial burdens for Education students, ensuring they can complete their degrees without unexpected additional fees.
University officials emphasized that the restructuring of the curriculum aims to streamline the teaching program while maintaining academic quality and compliance with education standards.
Students welcomed the announcement, describing it as a victory for student activism and a demonstration of the university’s responsiveness to student grievances.
The implementation of the new eight-semester curriculum is expected to begin with the current cohorts, ensuring that future students will not face similar financial challenges.
The decision also reflects broader efforts within the University of Malawi to modernize academic programs, enhance student welfare, and align degree structures with practical teaching requirements.
