Malawi govt abolishes quota system, reinstate JCE

Minister of Education Science and Technology William Susuwele – Banda has announced that government has abolished quota system of selecting students into public universities, and reinstated Junior Certificate Exams (JCE).

Minister of Education Science and Technology William Susuwele – Banda has announced that government has abolished quota system of selecting students into public universities, and reinstated Junior Certificate Exams (JCE).

Susuwere Banda made the announcement on Thursday during the news conference he held together with  Minister of Information Mike Botoman, who is also government spokesperson.

“Quota System of selecting students into various colleges and universities is abolished forthwith.

“However, Government will continue with its affirmative action towards girls and students with disabilities including albinos.  Our duty as Government is to ensure that there is equitable distribution of resources including infrastructure across the country,” said Banda.

Malawi abolished JCE examination as one way of saving cost as part of the ongoing Public Service Reform Program.

But education minister said  the JCE examinations will be taken in 2021.

“Government has been following, with keen interest, the debate on the need to re-introduce Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) Examinations as  one way of enhancing quality. The abolition of JCE Examinations  meant that students were taking four years in secondary school  before taking national examination.

“This arrangement encouraged students to relax and at the end, not doing well in their examinations at the end of the four years,” the education minister said.

He said furthermore, candidates that failed MSCE Examination had nothing to show for their attendance at secondary school level.

Banda  also said with  the  construction of 250 secondary schools, selection of students will include people with disability and  those with albinism without quota system.