Malawi Tackles Fake Degrees: Minister Kabwila Urges Action

Malawi’s Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Jessie Kabwila, has issued a stern warning to those who hold counterfeit academic qualifications to surrender them voluntarily. Speaking at the University of Livingstonia last month, she highlighted the government’s commitment to purging the education system of fake degrees, emphasizing that only credentials from accredited institutions will be recognised.

The government is pushing forward the Higher Education Bill to regulate tertiary education and eliminate substandard universities. This legislative effort aims to strengthen the accreditation processes managed by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

The crackdown has led to several high-profile cases, with public figures accused of holding dubious credentials. This has sparked a broader discussion on academic integrity and the need for employers to verify academic qualifications thoroughly.

Dr. Kabwila called for a collaborative approach, urging universities to focus on quality education in line with Malawi’s long-term development goals. Several Civil Society Organisations also echoed the minister’s message and are advocating for stricter employer accountability to prevent individuals with fake degrees from gaining employment.

As Malawi moves to restore trust in its education system, the government’s message is clear: those with fraudulent qualifications should come forward or face potential legal and reputational consequences.

Malawi has in the past grappled with the issue of fake qualifications, where prominent figures including politicians and political advisers have been ridiculed for possessing substandard and worthless “degrees” from what are commonly known as diploma mills.