MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Higher Education Dr Jessie Kabwila has called on all people in the country who are holding fake degrees and PHDs to surrender their papers to her ministry before they are caught.

Speaking at University of Livingstonia on Thursday, January 30, 2024, Dr Kabwila revealed that government is putting together a system that is aiming at ending acquiring of fake degrees and PHDs in the country.

Dr Kabwila said the idea is to ensure anyone who is called a Doctor or a degree holder went through an accredited institution.

She says issuing of fake degrees is common in the country and has threatened to hold accountable all institutions offering unregistered programmes.

Meanwhile University of Livingstonia Vice Chancellor, Timothy Nyasulu while recommending government said it is high time government should also start treating private and public universities equally.

Upon visiting Mzuzu University, Dr Kabwira warned that the honeymoon for fake degrees is over with the Higher Education Bill expected to be tabled in the next sitting of parliament.

Among others, the bill is harmonising academic calendar, scholarship and standards for Higher education in Malawi.

The Minister disclosed that the bill has also provisions of improved perks for Higher Education staff.

Mzuni Vice Chancellor, Professor Wales Singini says the bill sets a tone for standardised higher education.

President Lazarus Chakwera appointed Dr Kabwila as Higher Education Minister early this year while splitting the ministry into two; Basic and Secondary, and Higher education.