By Suleman Chitera
The Government has once again postponed the introduction of diploma and degree programmes for primary school teachers, pushing the rollout to the 2028/2029 academic year.
The programmes were initially expected to commence in 2025 before being rescheduled to 2026. However, the Ministry of Education has now confirmed another delay, extending the implementation timeline by a further two years.
Ministry of Education spokesperson Lily Kampani said the postponement is necessary to allow the Malawi Institute of Education (MIE) to complete the development of the new curriculum for the upgraded teacher education programmes.Malawi Invited to Prestigious Education World Forum in London, Showcasing Bold Education Reforms
Kampani also explained that the government is waiting for Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) to receive accreditation from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) before the programmes can be introduced.
“The Malawi Institute of Education is finalising the curriculum development process, while Teacher Training Colleges are undergoing accreditation by the National Council for Higher Education. These are key requirements before the programmes can be rolled out,” she said.
The planned reforms are expected to raise the minimum qualification for primary school teachers by introducing diploma and degree programmes aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning in public schools.Mutharika answers MCP doubts over free secondary school education
However, the latest postponement has attracted criticism from education stakeholders.
Education expert Island Mtambo described the repeated delays as disappointing, arguing that they demonstrate a lack of urgency and commitment by the government to reform the country’s education sector.
Mtambo warned that postponing the programmes could slow efforts to improve the quality of primary education, as better-qualified teachers are widely regarded as essential to enhancing learning outcomes and strengthening Malawi’s education system.School Fund Increases Raise Concern After Mutharika Declares Free Education
He urged the government to accelerate the curriculum development and accreditation processes to ensure the programmes are implemented without further delays.
The introduction of diploma and degree qualifications for primary school teachers forms part of broader education reforms aimed at professionalising the teaching workforce and improving standards in Malawi’s primary education sector.
Leave a Reply