By Burnett Munthali
The Ministry of Higher Education has announced that individuals and companies hiring employees must begin conducting thorough background checks on their workers to verify the authenticity of their certificates and degrees.
According to an official statement signed by the Minister of Higher Education, Jessie Kabwila, the use of fraudulent academic qualifications for employment purposes will not be tolerated.
Kabwila emphasized that it is illegal for individuals to secure jobs using fake certificates, and strict measures will be taken against those found guilty of such offenses.
The Minister has also directed the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to start investigating teachers and institutions of higher learning across the country to determine whether the certificates they issue are legitimate.
The Ministry warned that any institution found to be issuing fraudulent degrees or engaging in academic dishonesty will be shut down immediately.
This announcement comes just days after the NCHE ruled that individuals with honorary degrees should not refer to themselves as “Doctor” or “Professor.”
The move signals the government’s determination to uphold academic integrity and protect the credibility of Malawi’s higher education sector.
Kabwila further noted that fake academic qualifications undermine the quality of the workforce and create unfair competition in the job market.
She urged employers to conduct rigorous background checks on job applicants before offering them positions, ensuring that only those with genuine credentials are hired.
The NCHE will also collaborate with international education verification agencies to identify cases where individuals may have obtained counterfeit degrees from foreign institutions.
The government has assured the public that it will take swift action against any institution or individual found guilty of academic fraud.
Stakeholders in the education sector have welcomed the decision, stating that it will help restore confidence in Malawi’s higher education system.
Employers are also being encouraged to report any suspected cases of fake qualifications to the relevant authorities for further investigation.
Kabwila concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining high standards in education and ensuring that every qualification issued in Malawi meets the required credibility and quality standards.
