Merit-based university selection expands access, says kaonga

Managing Director of Maranatha Private Schools, Ernest Kaonga, has delivered a strong endorsement of government’s decision to shift public university selection from a bed-space-based system to one grounded in merit and programme capacity—describing the move as a transformative step that is widening access to higher education across Malawi.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026/2027 university selection exercise, Kaonga pointed to the numbers as clear evidence of progress and possibility. Out of 32,527 applicants, a significant 20,682 students have secured places in public universities—an outcome he says reflects not only policy reform but also the growing dedication of teachers and learners to academic excellence nationwide. In his view, the results signal a system beginning to reward effort, ability, and ambition rather than limiting opportunity through logistical constraints.

Kaonga further highlighted the performance of Maranatha Academy as a testament to this shift. The institution recorded a strong showing, with 52 out of 90 students selected into higher institutions of learning—representing a 58.4 percent success rate. He attributed this achievement to disciplined teaching, focused learning, and a culture that prioritizes excellence, noting that such outcomes are becoming increasingly possible under a fairer and more inclusive selection framework.

Meanwhile, Secretary for Education, Science and Technology, Ken Ndala, reinforced the government’s position, emphasizing that selecting students based on programme capacity rather than bed space has significantly increased access to higher education. The policy, he said, is designed to ensure that no deserving student is left behind due to accommodation limitations, marking a decisive shift toward a more equitable and forward-looking education system.

As Malawi continues to reform its education sector, the message from both policymakers and education leaders is clear: merit, not limitation, must define opportunity—and the future of the nation depends on it.

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