LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi government through Minister of Education Science and Technology on Thursday announced abolition of the much contested quota system of selecting students into public universities.
The ministry has however reinstated Junior Certificate Education (JCE) exams.
Education minister Susuwere Banda long side Minister of Information Mike Botoman, who is also government spokesperson told the news conference in the capital Lilongwe the system has been abolished to create room for meriting students who were unable to access tertiary education because of the system.
He added that abolition of the system will help in creating adequate space in public universities .
The Minister disclosed that JCE examinations will be taken in 2021.
“Quota System of selecting students into various colleges and universities is abolished forthwith. However, Government will continue with its affirmative action towards girls and students with disabilities including albinos.
“Our duty as Government is to ensure that there is equitable distribution of resources including infrastructure across the country”. said Banda.
The Minister adds; “Government has been following, with keen interest, the debate on the need to re-introduce Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) Examinations as one way of enhancing quality. The abolition of JCE Examinations meant that students were taking four years in secondary school before taking national examination.
“This arrangement encouraged students to relax and at the end, not doing well in their examinations at the end of the four years.
He said furthermore, candidates that failed MSCE Examination had nothing to show for their attendance at secondary school level.
Banda also disclosed that the construction of 250 secondary schools, selection of students will include people with disability and those with albinism without quota system.
JCE was abolished to save cost as part of the ongoing Public Service Reform Program.
However, the minister said despite the cost factor, this decision has lately attracted laziness in students hence the decision to bring this back to reduce that.
