By Suleman Chitera
LILONGWE — Minister of Education Bright Msaka has expressed satisfaction with the progress of this year’s Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) examinations, describing them as the most organised examinations Malawi has experienced in recent years.
Speaking during a monitoring visit to Lilongwe Girls Secondary School on Tuesday, Msaka said reports received from examination centres across the country indicate that the examinations are being conducted in a peaceful, orderly and conducive environment.Malawi to Start Printing National Examinations Locally – Msaka
The 2026 JCE examinations, which began on June 1, have attracted more than 161,000 candidates nationwide and are expected to conclude on June 10.
According to the minister, government officials have been monitoring examination centres in different parts of the country to ensure that the process is running smoothly and that candidates are provided with a suitable environment to write their examinations.
“My team and I have been going around the country monitoring how the examinations have started, and I am happy and proud to announce that these are the best and most organised JCE examinations we have ever experienced,” said Msaka.DPP Presidential Candidate Msaka Tips Youth On Leadership Qualities
He further revealed that no major incidents or irregularities had been reported since the examinations commenced, a development he described as a positive sign for Malawi’s education sector.
“From yesterday, we have received no report of any incident that is of concern, so I am happy,” he said.
Candidates Encouraged to Remain Focused
Msaka urged candidates to remain calm, focused and confident throughout the examination period, reminding them that the questions are based on the syllabus they have covered during their studies.Msaka Urges LAMAU Graduates to Embrace Professionalism and Technology for Career Success
He emphasized that examinations play a critical role in measuring both student performance and the effectiveness of teaching and learning in schools.
“This is the time to assess how much knowledge our children have acquired and also the quality of our teaching. Therefore, this is an important method of assessing how our education system is progressing,” he explained.
The minister expressed optimism that this year’s candidates will perform better than last year’s cohort, which recorded a national pass rate of 77 percent.
Free Secondary Education Easing Financial Burden
Msaka also highlighted the positive impact of the government’s free secondary education policy, saying it has significantly reduced the financial pressure faced by learners and their families.
He noted that examination fees for the majority of candidates have been covered by government, ensuring that more learners have access to education regardless of their economic background.Bright Msaka Reflects on Professor Mutharika’s Inspirational Interview
Education stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step towards increasing access to quality education and improving educational outcomes across the country.
Growing Number of Girls Taking Examinations Encouraging
The minister further commended the increasing participation of girls in national examinations, saying the trend reflects progress in government’s efforts to promote gender equality in education.
“This is extremely encouraging for us in the ministry because government policy is to ensure that we provide equal opportunities to both boys and girls,” said Msaka.There’s Hope Malawi Championing Sustainable Livelihoods and Education
Education experts have long advocated for increased support for girls’ education, arguing that greater female participation in schools contributes significantly to national development and economic growth.
Lilongwe Girls Secondary School Targets 100 Percent Pass Rate
Meanwhile, Lilongwe Girls Secondary School Headteacher Royce Kuntamura said the examinations have so far proceeded without any challenges at the institution.
Kuntamura disclosed that 160 candidates from the school are sitting for the examinations this year and expressed confidence that the learners will perform exceptionally well.
“The examinations have started smoothly, and we are hopeful of achieving a 100 percent pass rate,” he said.Season’s Greetings from the Minister of Education Hon Bright Msaka
The Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB), which is administering the examinations, is expected to continue monitoring centres across the country to ensure adherence to examination regulations and maintain the integrity of the assessment process.
As the examinations continue, education authorities remain optimistic that the smooth administration witnessed during the opening days will be sustained until the final paper on June 10.