By Cosmas Chimaliro
Mzuzu, June 19, MaraviPost: President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has abolished quota system of selecting students into tertiary education.
Mutharika, who is also the torchbearer for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and United Democratic Front (UDF) Alliance during in the June 23rd do-over presidential election, announced the abolition on Friday during his whistle stop rallies to the northern region.
He said the system, which was introduced by the Malawi Congress Party, is discriminatory.
He said MCP introduced quota system in 1987 with the goal of deterring some people from attaining higher education.
Quota system was a way of selecting students into tertiary education based on their districts of origin.
‘’The quota system was discriminatory especially for learners in the north. Some learners in the north who scored points as low as 6 or 8 points were not selected for higher education.
“It is, therefore, the decision of my government to abolish the quota system so that learners should be selected on merit on merit irrespective of which region they come from,’’ Mutharika said.
Mutharika apologized to people in the North for the delay in completing some development projects notably Mombera University, Jenda- Edingeni Road, and Njakwa- Livingstonia Road, among others.
He attributed the delay to donors’ late release of funds but assured the people that once he resumes power, all projects would be completed.
He said his government would fulfil all promises that his government has made, citing the construction of Mzuzu International Airport, Mzuzu Youth Centre, Mzuzu University library and sports complex.
Mana