MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-The President of the Mzuzu University Students’ Representative Council (MUSREC), George Kamadya, has issued a passionate appeal to the Mzuzu University Council, calling for urgent intervention to address a deepening student welfare crisis threatening academic continuity and lives on campus.
In a formal letter dated 6 February 2026, addressed to the Chairperson of the Mzuzu University Council and copied to the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Vice Chancellor and other senior university officials, Kamadya described the situation as grave and requiring immediate action at both institutional and national levels.
At the heart of the appeal is the plight of more than 40 academically eligible students who were barred from sitting for end of semester examinations due solely to outstanding tuition fees.
According to MUSREC, the affected students were prepared and willing to be assessed but financial hardships derailed their academic progress, placing years of sacrifice at risk.
The crisis is further worsened by widespread food insecurity on campus.
The SRC reports that a growing number of students are struggling to access basic meals, with hunger now affecting their health, mental wellbeing and academic performance.
Most distressingly, the university community has reportedly lost three students in circumstances linked to extreme hunger and distress a development that has shaken the campus to its core.
Transport challenges have also emerged as the semester draws to a close with financially disadvantaged students uncertain about how they will return to their homes.
The situation has been compounded by delays in loan disbursements by the Higher Education Students Loans and Grants Board, leaving many beneficiaries stranded despite having been duly awarded financial support.
Kamadya also raised serious concern over the recent decision by the Loans Board to exclude students enrolled under the Open and Distance Learning (ODeL) programme from accessing student loans.
He described the move as discriminatory and unjustifiable, arguing that ODeL students pursue the same accredited degrees and are assessed under identical academic standards as their conventional counterparts.
The SRC contends that excluding ODeL students undermines national commitments to inclusive access to higher education and human capital development.
The letter stresses that ODeL programmes were specifically designed to widen access for economically vulnerable and non traditional learners the very group now being left behind.
While acknowledging support from the university’s presidential scholarship scheme and well wishers such as Egenco, TEST, Age Africa, CAMFED, IZF, WATIPA, SOKO Fund, National Bank and the Bakili Muluzi Foundation, the SRC emphasized that such assistance cannot replace comprehensive institutional and policy level solutions.
Students have also reminded authorities of campaign commitments made by His Excellency the President and outlined in the Democratic Progressive Party manifesto, particularly regarding student loans, scholarships and welfare support.
They point to the swift implementation of the Free Secondary Education policy as evidence that political will can translate promises into tangible change.
MUSREC has now formally requested the University Council to urgently escalate the matter to the Chancellor and the President of the Republic of Malawi, with concrete recommendations for immediate intervention.
The Council has been asked to provide a clear way forward within seven days of receiving the letter.
While reaffirming its commitment to constructive dialogue, the SRC has cautioned that failure to act promptly may compel it, in consultation with the student body, to consider lawful measures to safeguard students’ welfare and academic rights.
“Moments such as this define leadership and institutional responsibility,” Kamadya stated, expressing hope that decisive and compassionate action will be taken to protect lives and ensure that no capable young Malawian is denied education because of poverty.
Education Ministry authorities are yet to comment on Mzuzu University Students Council concerns.