Tag Archives: Mzuzu University (Mzuni)

Human Rights

How Mzuzu University Student Keneth Feston was tricked into cyber fraud, ended into two years jail

MaraviPost

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-A student from Mzuzu University (MZUNI), identified as Kenneth Feston, says his life took a dramatic turn after he shared his financial struggles on Facebook while trying to raise money for his tuition.

Kenneth, who was studying Education, says he had exhausted all possible options to stay in school. His application to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) had failed, and he was on the verge of being sent home due to unpaid tuition fees.

With no other options left, he decided to share his situation on Facebook, explaining that he needed help to continue his studies. Friends and sympathisers reposted his message, hoping someone might assist.

According to Kenneth, the post eventually attracted the attention of a man who contacted him by phone claiming to run an agency that helps struggling students pay school fees.

Kenneth says he was relieved.

“Finally,” he recalls thinking, believing he had found someone willing to help.

During their conversation, the caller requested Kenneth’s personal details, including his full name, email address, and National ID number. Desperate for assistance, Kenneth says he provided the information.

Two weeks later, Kenneth received another call from individuals who said they wanted to meet him on the Mzuzu University campus. They instructed him to meet them near the main entrance gate.

When he arrived, Kenneth says he found two people waiting.

“At first they were friendly,” he recalls. “Then suddenly their attitude changed.”

The two individuals identified themselves as police officers and immediately arrested him.

ALLEGATIONS OF MOBILE MONEY FRAUD

Kenneth was informed that he was being arrested for allegedly creating a Facebook account under the name Mrs. Triphornia Mpinganjira, which investigators claimed was being used to scam people.

He was initially taken to Mzuzu Police Station before being transferred to Lingadzi Police Station in Lilongwe for further investigations.

Kenneth maintains that he had no knowledge of the alleged fraudulent activities.

However, he says investigators did not believe his explanation. According to his account, he was persuaded to sign a statement confessing to the offence after officers allegedly told him he would be released if he cooperated.

Instead, Kenneth says he spent about a week in police custody at Lingadzi, surviving mostly on water, before being transferred to Maula Prison.

He also alleges that officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) assaulted him during interrogations while accusing him of being a scammer.

MOBILE MONEY EVIDENCE

Kenneth says police showed him records indicating that large amounts of Airtel Money transactions had passed through his phone number.

Despite his insistence that he had never accessed the funds, he says investigators dismissed his explanation.

Kenneth has since shared his version of events in a series of videos circulating online.

CONFUSION OVER ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Another point of controversy is how the case was initially reported by police.

In statements released in August 2024, authorities described Kenneth as an ICT student at Mzuzu University.

However, Kenneth says he was actually pursuing a degree in Education, raising questions about the accuracy of the initial police report.

It remains unclear why the discrepancy occurred.

Education

Mzuni, Cunima Shine in ShiftingPower Inter-University Debate

Burnett Munthali 1 Comment

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Mzuzu University (Mzuni) and Catholic University of Malawi (Cunima) have emerged victorious in the first round of the Shifting Power’s inter-varsity debate, securing their spots in the second round.

The debate, centered on the theme “Rethinking Development: A Contest of Intellectuals,” saw Mzuni take the lead with 216 points, followed closely by Cunima with 204 points.

The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas) was eliminated from the competition, trailing behind with 184 points.

The judging panel, comprising television expert Kondwa Jumbe, and development experts Thoko Chibwana and Wongani Mukawa, praised the contestants for their insightful arguments.

The debate is part of the Shift the Power (StP) initiative, run by Misa Malawi and the Tilitonse Foundation, with support from Comic Relief and the UK International Development.

Today’s fixtures pit the University of Malawi against the Malawi University of Science and Technology, while the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) faces off against another opponent.

Misa Malawi chairperson Golden Matonga and Tilitonse Foundation executive director Robert White expressed satisfaction with the debate’s progress, highlighting areas for improvement.

“The proposals had depth on how to draw women into the development conversation. We feel these debates are not just about the buzz, but expressing ideas,” Matonga said.

The winners from Malawi will go on to compete against teams from Ghana and Zambia.

Education, Malawi

CSEC raises alarm over alleged academic fraud at Mzuzu University

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) has expressed serious concern over allegations of academic fraud at Mzuzu University (MZUNI), warning that the issue poses a grave threat to the integrity of Malawi’s higher education system and public confidence in university qualifications.

In a statement issued on 10 February 2026 and signed by CSEC Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe and Board Chairperson Limbani Nsapato, the coalition said the allegations, together with the university’s own admissions, have raised alarm over the credibility of academic awards and the protection of students’ rights.

CSEC was reacting to a statement released by Mzuzu University on 9 February 2026, in which the institution confirmed that its Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) detected irregular alterations affecting 103 student portals.

The university further disclosed that graduations for 55 finalist students had been withheld as investigations continue with support from the Anti Corruption Bureau.

While acknowledging that the university has taken steps to investigate the matter, CSEC said the actions announced so far do not meet the level of accountability required in a case that directly threatens academic credibility and national trust in higher education institutions.

The coalition expressed particular concern for students, especially finalists, whose academic futures have been abruptly placed on hold due to circumstances beyond their control.

CSEC warned that the situation exposes affected students to serious academic, psychological and socio-economic harm.

CSEC strongly rejected any suggestion that students may be forced to repeat academic years, restart programmes or lose time because of institutional failures.

It described such outcomes as unjust and contrary to the principles of fair administrative justice, stressing that students must not become collateral damage for system weaknesses or governance failures.

The coalition also criticized attempts to caution the public against alleged “misrepresentation” and “malicious attacks” while investigations remain unresolved.

CSEC maintained that public universities are subject to scrutiny and that transparency is a legal, moral and public obligation.

According to CSEC, trust in higher education can only be restored through openness, timely disclosure of facts and decisive action against wrongdoing, rather than defensive communication or delayed information sharing.

The coalition therefore issued firm demands, including immediate protection for affected students through binding assurances that no student will be unfairly penalized without individualized, evidence based investigations.

It also called for a transparent inquiry with clear timelines and mandatory public release of findings.

CSEC further demanded decisive action against any staff members or external actors implicated in academic manipulation, fraud or abuse of office, without exception or institutional shielding.

It also urged national level audits of academic management and information systems across public universities to prevent recurrence.

The coalition emphasized that academic integrity is foundational to national development, noting that university degrees underpin professional competence, labour market confidence and Malawi’s international standing.

CSEC concluded by stating that it will closely monitor the matter and will not hesitate to escalate advocacy, including engaging statutory oversight bodies, if transparency, student protection and accountability are not clearly upheld, insisting that the credibility of Malawi’s higher education system must be defended without compromise.

District News, Sports

MZUNI dominates NBM TESSAM Sports Festival

MaraviPost

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Mzuzu University (MZUNI) emerged as the overall winner of the Tertiary Students Sports Association of Malawi (TESSAM) Weekend Sports Festival, held on Saturday and Sunday at the University of Malawi in Zomba in a competition designed to scout athletes for the 2026 CUCSA Games in Botswana.

MZUNI outperformed its rivals with victories in men’s and women’s football, netball and volleyball, securing its position as the top institution of the tournament.

Bunda College claimed both men’s and women’s basketball, the University of Malawi triumphed in chess, while Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) led in athletics.

The festival, sponsored by National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc through a K17 million investment, brought together universities and colleges for a high-stakes talent identification platform aimed at assembling the next national university team, TESSAM Malawi.

Zomba NBM Plc Service Centre Manager, Tawina Malata, expressed pride in the Bank’s role in supporting Malawi’s sporting youth.

“We strongly believe that the future of our country rests in the hands of the youth, and supporting this festival allows us to nurture their talents and potential. We are pleased that several outstanding players have been identified to represent Malawi. As National Bank, we are honoured to stand with institutions in promoting discipline, ambition, and national development through sports,” said Malata.

TESSAM Malawi Vice President, Geoffrey Biya, said the tournament fulfilled its primary mission of scouting athletes for the CUCSA Games and praised NBM Plc for bridging the resource gap universities often face.

“These games were specifically organized to identify players who will represent Malawi next year. National Bank’s support made it possible for all these universities to come together and compete at this scale. We are grateful for their commitment to youth development and sports excellence,” said Biya.

MZUNI Sports Director, Thomas Movetie, whose institution delivered the strongest overall performance, described the victory as a proud moment for the university.

“We are extremely proud of what our athletes have achieved. Their hard work has paid off, and it shows the strength and determination of the MZUNI community. We also appreciate National Bank Plc for stepping in to support university sports and helping create opportunities for young athletes across the country,” said Movetie.

The festival successfully met its objective, with 30 netball players, 12 chess players, 24 volleyball players, 24 men’s basketball players, 34 women’s basketball players, 28 women’s football players, and 34 athletics competitors scouted for provisional inclusion in the national university squad.

Selected athletes will begin preparations for Botswana with their first training camp in January, followed by monthly camps until the final CUCSA team is confirmed.

Other institutions that participated in the TESSAM sports festival included Kamuzu College of Health Sciences, Natural Resources College (NRC), University of Livingstonia, DMI St John the Baptist University, MUBAS, and Bunda Campus of LUANAR.

Education, Malawi

“Surrender your fake degrees, PhDs to avoid being exposed, embrassed”-Higher Education Minister Dr Kabwila warns

MaraviPost

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.

Law and order, Malawi

Mzuni ICT student Kenneth Feston arrested for defraudings Malawians with fake Triephornia Mpinganjira Facebook account

Maravi Post Reporter

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has arrested Kenneth Feston, a Mzuzu University student for creating a fake Facebook account bearing the name of business tycoon ‘Triephornia Thomson Mpinganjira’ and using it to swindle millions of Kwacha from Malawians.

Working on a complaint lodged by Mrs. Triephornia Mpinganjira that someone was fraudulently and dishonestly using her name on Facebook, the Malawi Police Service’ Cybercrime Unit arrested Feston on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Mzuzu University Campus.

The suspect, who is an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) student has since demonstrated how he created and fraudulently used the fake account in luring victims into sending him money by promising them hefty returns.

The Police investigation revealed that Feston was using phone number 0991203482 to which victims were sending upfront payments as their investments in what he called: “Fidelity Savings Project.”

He was also allegedly running various ‘trophies’ in which he was promising participants lucrative returns, but their communications ended the moment victims sent him the money.

The Malawi Police Service through their Public Relations Officer,Peter Kalaya has therefore called upon all those who transacted with the suspect using the number above and believe are his victims to quickly report to their nearest Police Station.

The Service also cautions Malawians to desist from sending money to people they only communicate with online in deals that look too good to be true to avoid being victims of tricksters.

Feston, who comes from Mwankhumwa Village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Mphuka in Thyolo District has been charged with three counts including theft by trick, spamming and obtaining money by false pretences.

Education, Malawi

Public anger as Mzuzu University prioritises research dissemination conference over graduation

Maravi Post Reporter

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-A blatant sign of leadership failure at the state-funded Mzuzu University is their taxpayer-defying announcement yesterday of a so-called inaugural Research Dissemination Conference from June 5-6 this year.

Malawians were anxiously awaiting news about the long-overdue graduation ceremony, which would give their sons, daughters, and nephews a fair shot at employment. Instead, students are left to languish at home, waiting indefinitely for their degree certificates, rendering them unproductive and a burden to their guardians during these tough economic times

“It’s a blatant leadership crisis at Mzuzu University. They claimed the Senate would meet on May 15, 2024, and here we are on May 28, 2024, with no communication whatsoever about the graduation date. This is utterly disgraceful.

“To add insult to injury, the University’s desperate plea for funding from stakeholders for its so-called Research Dissemination Conference indicates they are cash-strapped. This makes the possibility of holding a graduation ceremony anytime soon almost impossible,” said an education activist based in Blantyre, speaking on condition of anonymity.

In a scathing open letter earlier this month, disgruntled students lambasted Mzuzu University, accusing it of “institutional mediocrity and managerial incompetence” over the scandalously delayed graduation.

“This delay has far-reaching consequences for us students. Without official documentation of our degrees, we are at a significant disadvantage in pursuing employment opportunities as well as scholarship opportunities.

“Employers prefer candidates who possess tangible proof of their qualifications, and the absence of a formal graduation ceremony to be conferred our degree certificates leaves us unable to compete effectively in the job market”, reads the letter in part.

The letter adds, “Lately, we’ve observed our peers applying for positions at the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and now they’re pursuing vacancies at ESCOM, among other employers.

“Meanwhile, we’re left to watch, knowing that no serious employer would give serious consideration to an application accompanied by a mere “to whom it may concern” letter when other candidates are submitting copies of their degree certificates”.

It adds further, “The peers in question are those from the University of Malawi who finished their studies around the same time as us. However, unlike us, their university promptly arranged graduation ceremonies, in fact on two consecutive days, for them while we are still left waiting unnecessarily,” read the students’ polemic letter in part”.

The letter went further, “As stakeholders in our education and future prospects, we implore you [Mzuni Management] to take immediate action to address this issue. The university’s official calendar shows that the graduation ceremony was scheduled for May 17, 2024, just two weeks away.

“However, there has been no communication on this matter to date, suggesting that the prospect of a graduation on this date is now highly unlikely. Truth be told; this is hubris on your part and without fear of any contradiction, this disregard for students’ interests and aspirations is emblematic of institutional mediocrity and managerial incompetence.”

In reaction to the open letter, the University responded in a public statement by informing “all students, who completed their studies within the 2023/24 Academic Year, and the general public that it has revised plans for its 26th Congregation. The plan was to have two sessions as follows: a) 26th Congregation Session A:17th May, 2024; and b) 26th Congregation Session B: 13th December, 2024,” reads the statement in part.

The statement continued, “Senate will meet on 15th May 2024 to determine the revised date for the Session A of the 26th Congregation,” adding that “the University will issue an appropriate announcement regarding the new date once Senate has considered the matter and consulted with the University Council so that all stakeholders are given reasonable time to prepare for this important event.”

Instead of addressing the pressing issue of the long-overdue graduation that parents and students are desperately waiting for, Mzuzu University has decided to focus on hosting a research dissemination conference.

During a press conference yesterday, the University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Wapulumuka Mulwafu, announced that their research conference will feature 118 abstracts to be presented by Mzuzu University staff, local institutions, and international scholars.

Mulwafu further said that the abstracts will cover a range of disciplines from six thematic areas, including education, health sciences, humanities and social sciences, tourism, hospitality, and management.

Taking his turn, the Director of Research, Professor Fanuel Kaputa, shamelessly appealed for well-wishers to assist with resources, proving once again the University’s misplaced priorities.

The two-day event will be held under the theme “Research and innovation: A catalyst for social, cultural and economic transformation”.

The tug-of-war between the students and university management is poised to intensify following this latest fiasco.

In that blistering open letter, the students issued a harsh ultimatum, demanding the Management stop sleeping on the job and start acting in the best interest of the Chakwera administration.

They warned that failure to do so could lead to their ousting for undermining the youth-focused Chakwera-led administration.

“We demand accountability and decisive leadership from the university administration. If necessary, we will escalate our concerns to the Chancellor, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, to ensure that our voices are heard, rubble—if it pleases him—removed, and our rights upheld.”

Students allege that their University Management behaves as if the institution is their personal playground, flagrantly ignoring the wishes of Malawians.

“In our well-considered view, it is imperative for you to recognize that Mzuzu University is a public institution, and that those entrusted with its stewardship inherently are duty-bound to prioritize the welfare of the Malawian people above all else.

“Should we give credence to the intel that you are pushing the opposition agenda with this unnecessary graduation delay to pit us youthful [students] voters against Chakwera on the road to 2025?,” the letter concluded.

Education

Open letter to Mzuni Vice Chancellor Prof. Singini regarding delayed graduation ceremony

Maravi Post Author

By Concerned Mzuni Students

Dear Mr. Vice Chancellor,

It is with deep concern and a sense of urgency that we address you today regarding the prolonged delay in organizing the graduation ceremony for us students who completed our studies last semester at the [Mzuzu] University.

We recognize the recent exposés that have plagued our university, which have garnered negative media attention.

However, rather than dwell on these issues, our primary concern in this letter is a matter that significantly affects the prospects of Mzuzu University students moving forward.

Specifically, we are profoundly troubled by the significant delay in conducting the graduation ceremony for us students who have fulfilled all academic requirements last semester.

Unlike other reputable institutions such as the University of Malawi, where graduation ceremonies are promptly held, in most cases, a few weeks after the opening of the first semester of the new academic year; our university has failed to provide timely recognition to its graduating students.

This delay has far-reaching consequences for us as students. Without official documentation of our degrees, we are at a significant disadvantage in pursuing employment opportunities as well as scholarship opportunities.

Employers prefer candidates who possess tangible proof of their qualifications, and the absence of a formal graduation ceremony to be conferred our degree certificates leaves us unable to compete effectively in the job market.

Lately, we’ve observed our peers applying for positions at the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and now they’re pursuing vacancies at ESCOM, among other employers.

Meanwhile, we’re left to watch, knowing that no serious employer would give serious consideration to an application accompanied by a mere “to whom it may concern” letter when other candidates are submitting copies of their degree certificates.

The peers in question are those from the University of Malawi who finished their studies around the same time as us.

However, unlike us, their university promptly arranged graduation ceremonies, in fact on two consecutive days, for them while we are still left waiting unnecessarily.

In our view therefore, the failure to organize a timely graduation ceremony reflects poorly on the administration’s commitment to student welfare and academic excellence.

It is unacceptable that bureaucratic inefficiencies should hinder the advancement of students who have diligently completed their studies.

As stakeholders in our education and future prospects, we implore you to take immediate action to address this issue. The university’s official calendar shows that the graduation ceremony was scheduled for May 17, 2024, just two weeks away.

However, there has been no communication on this matter to date, suggesting that the prospect of a graduation on this date is now highly unlikely.

Truth be told; this is hubris on your part and without fear of any contradiction, this disregard for students’ interests and aspirations is emblematic of institutional mediocrity and managerial incompetence.

We demand accountability and decisive leadership from the university administration. If necessary, we will escalate our concerns to the Chancellor, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, to ensure that our voices are heard, rubble—if it pleases him—removed, and our rights upheld.

In conclusion, we urge you to prioritize the organization of the graduation ceremony without further delay. Whether conducted in person or virtually, all we need is our degree certificates in order to enable us pursue our career aspirations and contribute to the nation’s development.

We await your prompt response and action on this matter in the form of a communication as to when graduation will be conducted. Should you choose to disregard this open letter, we reiterate that we will not hesitate to escalate this matter to the attention of the pro-youth Chancellor, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and you will have yourselves to blame for your insensitivity, lack of patriotism, indifference and incompetency shall he decide to replace you.  

In our well-considered view, it is imperative for you to recognize that Mzuzu University is a public institution, and that those entrusted with its stewardship inherently are duty-bound to prioritize the welfare of the Malawian people above all else.

Should we give credence to the intel that you are pushing the opposition agenda with this unnecessary graduation delay to pit us youthful [students] voters against Chakwera on the road to 2025?  

Sincerely,

Concerned and Disgruntled Students Awaiting Graduation

Education, Malawi

Mzuzu University closed over students’ demos against tuition hike

Maravi Post Reporter
Mzuzu University

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-The Mzuzu University (Mzuni) management on Friday, September 15, 2023, closed the university and ordered all students to leave campus by Saturday (today) morning.

University Registrar Yonamu Ngwira announced the closure of the university in a statement on Friday night.

“Following the student unrest which emanated from the General Assembly for the Face-to-Face Students Association (FAFASA) held on Campus in the afternoon and with a view to preserving public order and protecting university property, the Mzuzu University Council has directed the immediate closure of the University,” said Ngwira in a statement.

He ordered all on-campus students to leave the campus by 5.00 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Ngwira further said that no student shall be allowed entry into the Campus during the closure period.

“Students will be communicated on the date of re-opening and the conditions for their return to the University,” said Ngwira.

This publication understands that students were seen leaving the campus this morning.

On Friday, Mzuni students held a general assembly to discuss the tuition hike against management’s decision to implement the hike in the middle of an academic year.

Immediately, after leaving the meeting room, the students went on the M1 road where they blocked the road with rocks and fire.

Irritated students even attacked motorists and even detained a minibus.

Eventually, Malawi Police fired teargas to disperse the students but the protests continued forcing Mzuni management to close the university.

Last week during the graduation ceremony, Mzuni students booed President Lazarus Chakwera for failing to address the matter.

Education, Malawi

Three Mzuzu University lecturers suspended for demanding sex from female students in grades exchange

Maravi Post Reporter

By Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Office of Registrar at Mzuzu University (Mzuni) on Thursday February,24, 2022 suspended three of its lecturers and dismissed one over the various indiscipline offences.

This was revealed in a memo signed by the University’s Registrar, Yonamu Ngwira which said the four appeared before the Academic and Senior Administrative Staff Committee on the offenses levelled against them where they were found guilty.

According to Ngwira, the three suspended lecturers are Leonard Chilemba Senior Lecturer, Department of physics and electronics, Mike Zulu Senior Lecturer,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Eddie Mtonga Lecturer, Department of water and sanitation, and Auden Msango Lecturer, Department of Languages, Cultural and Creative Studies who was completely dismissed.

He said those suspended will stay on suspension period for a period of 3 months starting from March 1, 2022 up to March 30, 2022 and that within this period, they are all not allowed to conduct any business on behalf of the University until their suspension period elapses.

In a process of finding out the exact offences leveled against the four, one of our sources name withhold) told us that the they were suspended for allegedly demanding sex from female students in exchange of examination grades.

Maravi Post contacted the University’s Public Relations Officer, Cliff Kawanga was unable to comment on the matter.

Kawanga claimed not around the institution at the moment.

He also said was not aware of the said memo.