In an effort to expand access to higher education in the country, the results for this year’s 2024/2025 Public Universities and Colleges Selection has indicated an upsurge in the number of students selected as compared to last year.
Out of 24, 852 qualified students who applied, a total of 14, 175 students (58%) have been selected to the six public universities and two public education colleges, namely Domasi and Nalikule College of Education.
In addition to that, the selection has also shown a gender parity of 59% for males and 41% for females which is above the minimum 40:60 ratio advocated by the Gender Equality Act of 2013.
Speaking during the official release of the results, the Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Jessie Kabwila expressed gratitude to grace such a historical event describing the day as a happy day.
Also Read: NCHE 2024/2025 Public Universities Selection Results Released
She added that the Ministry of Higher Education is pivotal to the seven Enablers of the MW 2063, especially the human capital development.
“In line with the National Education Sector Investment Plan (NESP), 2020-2030, my Ministry, the Ministry of Higher Education strives to ensure that each year Malawi is improving on access to higher education since this sector is key to the achievement of the MW2063,” she said.
She therefore applauded Vice Chancellors from the public universities and all stakeholders who contributed in the selection process for their commendable work towards the selection.
Speaking earlier at the event, the Director for Higher Education, Dr. Levis Eneya praised the significance of using the harmonised process of selecting students as opposed to separate selection by each university in the past which he said brought anxiety among the applicants.
He added that for the first time, the results have been announced through a press conference rather than press releases to recognise the efforts of the stakeholders, for instance Vice Chancellors.
The Chairperson for the National Council for Higher Education, Prof. Estone Nsambo said the council introduced the harmonised selection procedure to curb some of the challenges the process was going through. Among the challenges, he cited the number of qualified students who were left out of the list and their financial burden as some of the hiccups.
Sambo also expressed gratitude over the switch from hardcopy application procedure to digital procedure and said that NCHE has been fundamental in facilitating the process.
He therefore commended FDH Bank for supporting the council with financial assistance accumulating to K3.5 million and assured the council’s commitment to promoting equitable education to public universities.