Sharda University of India has honoured Managing Director of Maranatha International Academy Dr. Ernest Kaonga over his role in uplifting the standards of Education in Malawi.

Kaonga who is also Independence Schools Association of Malawi (ISAMA) President recently secured partnership with Sharda University where Malawian students have a chance to learn at the institution at a 50 percent scholarship.

As this is not enough, in the past years Maranatha has been sending a huge number of learners to public universities in Malawi thanks to a sole effort of Dr. Ernest Kaonga.

As one way of recognizing this effort, Sharda University has honoured Kaonga today during Sharda University-Maratha Academy interface meeting with students and parents held at Amayrills Hotel in Blantyre.

The interface meeting also marked the opening of the 2026 Sharda University Scholarship which is now open to all public schools in the country.

Speaking in an interview with the press Sharda University representative in Malawi Raul Pal said: ” After a successful scholarship with Maranatha last year and this year we have opened it to all Malawian students in public schools in Malawi.”

“India is technical advance and we want that technical abilities to be shared with Malawian students hence opening up the scholarship to all Malawians.”

On his part, Dr. Kaonga hailed Sharda University for the scholarship.

“As you are aware last year Sharda University gave the scholarship opportunity to Maranatha only and we pleaded with the institution to open up to all Malawian students and hence the opportunity.

“Through this opportunity we are hoping that many students from Malawi who have missed the opportunity to go into public Universities will now be flocking to Sharda in India. Currently over 500 Malawian students are in Indian and i will happy if this number doubles,” said Kaonga.

Parliamentary Chairperson on Education, Science and Technology Mutani Tambala described the partnership as pivotal in uplifting the education standards in Malawi.

Maranatha Academy Managing Director Dr. Ernest Kaonga has announced the cancellation of a trip to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe for the 19 students who emerged as top performers in the just released Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) exams due to forex scarcity.

Instead Kaonga has awarded each student with money amounting to MK1 million and he has also taken the students to Sun ‘n’ Sand in Mangochi for them to have a feel of the beauty of Lake Malawi.

“We were supposed to be in Victoria Falls but we said why we should go there when we have no forex to use so that these students can use there to enjoy life. There is no money in the banks so what we have done is ushered MK1 million kwacha each and taken them to Sun n’ Sand in Mangochi.

“If we have to fight poverty in Malawi we have to uplift education,” said Kaonga in an interview with faceofmalawi.
Before the trip to Mangochi, Kaonga treated the top performers with a masterclass dinner at Crossroads Hotel in Blantyre.

A total of 19 students from across Malawi who scooped 7 and 8 points are part of the trip.

Maranatha International Private Academy is one of the top schools in the country that have produced top performers in this year’s MSCE examination.

Maranatha International Academy and Sharda University of India on Tuesday held an open fair at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre with an aim of giving chances to parents and students to learn more on the study opportunities that the two institutions are offering outside the country.

The open fair comes barely weeks after Maranatha Academy announced that the scholarship that the institution is offering to learners to study at Sharda University is now open to all Malawians.

Speaking in an interview with the press during the fair Maranatha Academy Director Dr. Ernest Kaonga described the event as a success.

“We are really impressed with the turn out today. Parents and learners were free to inquire on the programs Sharda University is offering, tuition fees and travel arrangements. Some were also free to inquire on the enrollment at Maranatha Academy and when the school will be opening,” said Kaonga.

Kaonga also revealed that similar open fair will be held in Lilongwe at BICC and in Mzuzu.

On his part Rahul Pal, a representative of the Sharda University described the event as great.

“Students who have just passed their MSCE are coming in with different questions on the program that Sharda University is offering and this is what we were looking for and the event is proving to be a success. Let me also take this opportunity to thank Mr Kaonga for his vision,” said Pal.

The open fair in Blantyre was held under the theme; “Unlock Your Potential”.

Maranatha has been in partnership with Sharda University for two years now and over 20 students from Maranatha are currently studying at Sharda University.

The University has since now open the 50 percent scholarship to Maranatha Academy to all Malawians.

Malawian multi-award-winning artist Emmie Deebo has announced the launch of the Emmie Deebo Scholarship Fund, a personal initiative aimed at supporting underprivileged students facing hardships in their education journey.

Writing on her official Facebook page, Emmie revealed that the fund is being powered by proceeds from her successful debut album First Born, as well as revenue from the upcoming First Born Tour, which kicks off on August 1 and runs through October 2025.

“Get ready to apply for the Emmie Deebo Scholarship!” she wrote. “With the money raised from my album, First Born, I have decided to introduce the Emmie Deebo Scholarship Fund to support those going through the same tough times I experienced while in school.”

The fund aims to support over 100 deserving students across both universities and secondary schools in Malawi, offering full or partial financial assistance. Emmie stressed that applicants’ personal stories, resilience, and ambition will be key in the selection process.

While the scholarship application portal is set to go live on 15 July 2025, via her upcoming website, Emmie has advised prospective applicants to prepare the following documents in advance:

Copy of National ID

Recent passport-size photo

Letter of recommendation from a teacher or lecturer

Proof of enrollment

A brief personal statement

“We are doing very well with album streams, and the tour will boost our ability to help more students than initially planned,” Emmie stated.

The announcement has been met with praise from fans and education advocates alike, with many commending Emmie Deebo for turning her success into a source of hope for the next generation.

The Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) has officially released the dates for this year’s national examinations for both primary and secondary school candidates.

In a press statement signed by MANEB Executive Director Prof. Dorothy Nampota, the board announced that The Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) exams will take place from 21st to 23rd May 2025, the Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) exams will run from 3rd to 12th June 2025 and candidates for Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) will sit for exams from 1st to 25th July 2025.

The board confirmed that candidate registration was successfully conducted from 23rd September to 31st December 2024, with payments made through digital platforms such as TNM Mpamba, Airtel Money, FDH Digital Banking, National Bank Mo626, NBS Eazy Bank, Standard Bank Unayo, and First Capital Bank.

According to MANEB, more female candidates have registered for PSLCE and JCE exams, continuing a recent trend. However, male candidates still outnumber females at the MSCE level. The total number of registered candidates has risen from 611,144 in 2024 to 626,038 in 2025 an increase of more than 2 percent.

The board has assured the public that all necessary preparations have been made, including securing examination materials and centers. It will continue to work closely with the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and the Malawi Police Service to ensure safety and integrity during the exam period, in line with a Memorandum of Understanding effective until 2026.

“MANEB has sent the list of items for science practical examinations to enable schools procure the materials before examinations”, reads the statement.

The board has not sidelined candidates with disabilities to provide  inclusive education. Candidates with visual impairments will be provided with braille and those with low vision, will have large print exams, while candidates with physical disabilities will be offered oral exams under supervision by well-trained invigilators in dedicated spaces.

Furthermore, MANEB has introduced electronic payment systems for examination staff, including supervisors and invigilators, to receive their allowances directly through their bank accounts.

This year’s exams will be monitored at national, regional, and district levels to prevent any malpractice or exam leakage.

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has issued a stern warning to Malawians and media houses to stop referring to individuals as “Doctor” or “Professor” if they were only awarded honorary degrees and did not earn them through academic studies.

NCHE Executive Director Estone Yobe Sambo made the statement in a special communication seen by Face Of Malawi.

Sambo has advised recipients of honorary degrees to refrain from calling themselves “Doctor” and urged relevant institutions and stakeholders to work together to uphold the credibility of higher education in Malawi.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that proper titles are used in line with national education laws.

Among the well-known figures who have been controversially awarded honorary titles are musician Patience Namadingo, influencer Pemphero Mphande, gospel artist Favoured Martha, businessman Mansoor Sharif Karim of K Motors, and several others.

Reacting to the statement, Namadingo took to his Facebook page, writing, “Namafans ikati Doc ndi Doc basi,” meaning he will continue embracing the title despite NCHE’s stance.

The court is set to decide whether to grant bail to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President Alfred Gangata.

Gangata, who was arrested recently, is facing charges that have not yet been fully disclosed to the public. His legal team has applied for bail, arguing that he is not a flight risk and will cooperate with the court process.

Many DPP supporters gathered outside the court, showing their support for their leader. Some believe his arrest is politically motivated, while others are waiting to hear more details about the case.

The court is expected to make its ruling today this morning.

Malawian hip-hop legend Phyzix has finally addressed Crispy Malawi’s resurfacing 2022 diss post, which accused him of deleting his verse from their collaboration on the song DoGa.

The post, which has sparked debates online, saw Crispy Malawi also known as Spe, claiming that Phyzix removed his verse, leading to the song flopping within 48 hours. In his original post, Crispy wrote:

“We Took the ‘Landlord’ Title from Gwamba Until the Ghetto Truly Recognizes It (NB: Let’s Wait for the Judges and Jah Jah).

We Took the ‘King of the Ghetto’ Title from Phyzix Long Ago Mandem is a Sellout, Trying to Take Advantage of Us Too Much. He Deleted My Verse (Claiming He Was Complaining About the Hook), and That Song Flopped Within 48 Hours, Even Though It Featured One of Blantyre’s Best Trappers, Hayze Engola. The Real Kings of the Ghetto Are Silent in the Ghetto.”

Following numerous tags from fans pressing him for a response, Phyzix has finally broken his silence. Commenting on the same post, he denied ever deleting Spe’s verse and clarified the situation:

“This story is quite funny to me, but I’ve deliberately ignored it for years. Now, I want to clarify things for the record. In 2021, Hayze and I finally decided to collaborate on a song. RichardBilly sent me an amazing beat, and the concept was DoGa a track where Dobadoba and Gamba trade bars. The focus was on Phyzix and Hayze Engolah for the verses, but we needed a strong chorus.

To make it unique, I chose to have two choruses one by SevenOMore, whom I’m a big fan of, and another by Crispy Mw, whom I had worked with before on Sober, Zibwente, Ntopola, and Mistake. SevenOMore sent his chorus, and it was done. I then arranged for Crispy Mw to travel to Blantyre and record his chorus at Stich Fray’s studio.

Since it was a business day, I was at the office, so I simply picked him up and dropped him off at the studio. I wasn’t there for creative control. I had specifically asked him for a chorus because I was impressed by what he did on Sober. However, when I later went to the studio, I found that Crispy Mw had recorded not only the chorus but also a verse—which I had never requested.

Instead of deleting it, as he later claimed, I included it at the end of the song as an outro. His verse was never removed—it’s still there. Anyone can listen to the last part of the song and hear it. The reason his verse wasn’t part of the main track was that it didn’t fit the DoGa concept. Unless the plan was to make it DoGa ,Spe which it wasn’t!”

Phyzix’s response has given people a  hist to what exactly happened and has  further  sparked discussions on socail media, with fans taking sides in the ongoing debate over the alleged verse removal.

The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) has announced the suspension of all US-funded programs after the US government issued a stop order, cutting off funding for multiple university projects.

In an internal memo, Registrar Christopher Francis Namagowa informed staff and students about the decision, assuring them that Principal Investigators (PIs) would provide further updates and guidance. The university acknowledged the challenges this move presents and encouraged those affected to seek clarification from their PIs.

Similarly, on Sunday, LUANAR also suspended all USAID-funded projects, citing the same directive from the US government.

These suspensions come in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s decision to halt USAID operations for a review of its funding mechanisms.

The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, has expressed satisfaction with the construction of 10,900 classrooms across Malawi. The project, implemented by the government in partnership with the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), aims to improve learning conditions for students.

Speaking during an inspection tour of schools in Chiradzulu and Blantyre on Tuesday, Wirima emphasized that providing safe and comfortable classrooms is key to enhancing education quality. She noted that well-built classrooms motivate both teachers and learners.

During her visits to Litchenza, Mlirankhwali, Makhetha, and Bangwe primary schools, the minister urged local communities, chiefs, and school management committees to take good care of school property.

“We all have a responsibility to protect school infrastructure from damage or theft. These projects are for the benefit of Malawians, and communities must play a role in safeguarding them,” she said.

Wirima was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, and Director of Basic Education, Madame Grace Milner, among other officials.

The construction of these classrooms was officially launched by President Lazarus Chakwera on February 22 at Chikololere Primary School in Dedza.

There was tears of joy and disbelief among learners, teachers and chiefs living around Nkhande Primary School in Chiradzulu District on Friday as officials from the newly registered organization Needy Students Aid (NeSA) invaded the school with various items.

The officials led by NeSA Vice President Gift Banda, franked by its Coordinator Robert Kayuzga Ngwira with support from NeSA President Pastor MacDonald Ziba donated school uniforms, instruments, pens and pencils to over 150 learners at the school.

The team which included Alice Mhone, Innocent Kamanga, Shabil Kamwana, Sam Davie, Haswell, Ireen Kawonga and Anabel Bella NyaChiyabwe received a heroes welcome from the Deputy Head Master Rose Sakwata and all the teachers at the school which is located in a very remote area.

Speaking after receiving an instrument, textbooks, pens and a pencil, one of the student identified as Japhet Chisola could not hide his excitement.

“Am so grateful NeSA for the donation of school items to me. This has come at a right time considering that next week we are starting to write end to exams where Instruments, pencils and pens will be needed and our parents could not afford all these things,” said Chisola while urging NeSA team to continue with the work of supporting underprivileged learners across the country.

Concurring with Chisola’s remarks Mrs Sakwata, Deputy Head Master appealed to some well-wishers in the country to emulate NeSA’s gesture.

“As Nkhande Primary School we are very proud with the support we have received today because this support will encourage the spirit hardworking among learners at the school,” said Sakwata.

On her part Chief Namvenya said the school uniform donated to the learners will change the outlook of the school.

NeSA coordinator, Robert Kayuzga Ngwira asked the learners to re-pay the support received from the organization by working hard in class.

“NeSA will be very happy to learn that these learners were are supporting today proceeds to Secondary or even reach the University and becoming meaningful citizen who will be able to assist others in future.

“Our organization wish to develop the culture of sharing with others with the little that each one of us earn and make a difference in the society,” said Ngwira.

Needy Students Aid (NeSA) is a charitable organization established by Mr MacDonald Ziba a Malawian based in South Africa with an aim to help reduce school dropout rate in the country by providing learning materials, school fees and others among needy students across the country.

The Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) has announced the release of the 2024 Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) certificates.

In a press release, MANEB emphasized that secondary schools can collect their candidates’ certificates from their respective education districts.

The board also clarified that it will no longer issue 2024 MSCE Notification of Results. Candidates requiring the triplicate notification will need to pay a fee for the service.

MANEB advises all candidates and stakeholders to follow the outlined procedures for collecting the certificates.

The University of Blantyre Synod has expressed satisfaction with the increase in the number of graduates, rising from 18 in 2022 to 42 in 2024.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony held in Blantyre, Vice Chancellor Professor Isabel Apawo Phiri announced plans to introduce new programs, including a Master’s Degree in Commerce, a Master’s Degree in Education, and a PhD in Theology.

Professor Phiri urged the graduates to uphold Christian values, demonstrate integrity, and contribute to the fight against corruption in their professional lives.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Education praised the CCAP Blantyre Synod for supporting the government’s efforts in advancing education across Malawi.

Zodiak Online

Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has been named the best university in Malawi by Times Higher Education in its 2024 Sub-Saharan Africa rankings.

Regionally, LUANAR secured the 15th position out of 129 universities from 22 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) followed as the second-best university in Malawi and ranked 22nd regionally.

However, other notable universities in Malawi did not make it onto the 2024 list.

The rankings evaluate universities based on their contribution to addressing significant regional challenges, highlighting their societal and academic impact in the Sub-Saharan context.

The Malawi National Examinations Board (Maneb) says all is set for the commencement of the 2024 Malawi school certificate of education (MSCE) examinations tomorrow.

According to Maneb spokesperson Angella Kashitigu a total of one hundred and eighty-four thousand, Nine hundred and seventy-eight students registered to sit for the exams.

Kashitigu says from this number ninety-six thousand 7 hundred eighty-seven are males while 88 thousand one hundred ninety-one are females.

She also disclosed that they have not yet registered any cases where school management has misused students’ examination fee.

This year’s examinations will be administered from 2nd to 26th July 2024.

The vision of the community in Mzuzu, Malawi, to provide safe and accessible schooling for its children has been kicked off as part of a new school designed to remove obstacles to education. When the school site is complete, it will accommodate 250 pupils from 18 local villages.

Work on the building of a new block at the Thitmira Secondary School in Mzimba North, 66 km from of the city of Mzuzu has started. At its heart, the project aims to improve the health and wellbeing of future generations by providing educational opportunities, with a focus on equitable access for girls.

RSK Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder said: “Nothing is more important than education but we recognise that there can be many reasons why some young people don’t have the opportunity to attend school and this has been an important focus of this project.

“Working closely with the local community to create a school that, as part of its architectural design, creates an environment for girls and boys to learn has been a rewarding experience. We know that, armed with this education, the pupils from this school will go on to make their community proud and contribute to it with all they have learned and go on to learn with further studies and training. We hope that this approach to school building can be replicated to give everyone the opportunity to learn and realise their full potential, their dreams.”

Currently, work is ongoing for part of phase 2 for the site, which is focusing on building additional classroom space, sanitation blocks and dormitory space, to include wheelchair accessibility. The provision of dormitories and sanitation blocks will contribute directly to ensuring students from the wider catchment area can attend. Planned sanitation blocks include dedicated space to wash and dry sanitary pads: facilities to overcome a barrier girls face to attendance during their menstrual period. In this second building phase, a kitchen and facilities will be provided for a volunteer-run cafeteria to provide a full meal to students during the day.

Access to safe and clean drinking water has been secured at the school site through the installation of a borehole and hand pump. Many families and young people in the area walk long distances each day to collect water, so the installation of the pump will remove the need for these journeys and ensure water remains accessible.

ASC Foundation Trustee Newton Matupi said: “The Thitmira School project has been entirely conceived by the local community and its ambition of supporting its children to attend school. Overcoming the obstacles that many children in the region face in attending school was a priority for the community, especially for its young girls. Not only do children often walk long distances, but on average, girls miss three to four days of school each month due to menstruation and lack of facilities at school sites. This school provides them with the facilities they need and funds have also been raised to provide sewing machines so that a team of their mothers can make sanitary pads. These things all make such a difference.”

Creating an inspiring outdoor learning environment was a further key ambition of community leaders. Plans have incorporated dedicated spaces for outdoor learning and vegetable gardens that will support the school kitchen.
Additionally, girls attending the school will be able to observe and be inspired by space within the wider school complex that has been set aside for businesses owned by women, thus encouraging them to achieve.

Nicholas O’Dwyer Director Michel Davitt said: “Realising the vision for a safe and equitable learning environment is vitally important for the community here. The engineering team at Nicholas O’Dwyer has been on hand to provide civil engineering technical support when requested in relation to the school block and its construction using stabilised soil blocks (SSB), which are an energy efficient, low embodied carbon alternative material for structural masonry. Nicholas O’Dwyer is delighted to be able to support this sustainable initiative with the ASC Foundation.”

Environment consultancy RSK is providing funding towards the building of two classroom blocks as part of the project, which is being delivered in partnership with the Action for Sustainable Communities (ASC) Foundation. Following three years of work undertaken and funded by the community, the build committee invited the ASC Foundation to provide further funding and support. Nicholas O’Dwyer, an RSK Group company, is providing the project team with technical assistance for build. It is planned that the new school block will be ready during the new school year, in November.

Information sourced by this publication indicates that Mzuzu University (MZUNI) management has maintained its stand on fee hike despite the protest by students which resulted in the closure of the institution last month.

The revelations come as the institution is set to re-open on October 23, 2023.

In a MEMO signed by University registrar, Yonamu Ngwira, started that the students are returning, and the returning students must commit to observing the rules of laws and discipline and pay revised fees, which the student demonstrated against, leading to the university’s closure.

Now, face-to-face students will pay K650,000 from K400,000, upgrading from K450, 000 to K800,000 per academic year, and ODeL from K350,000 to K600,000 per academic year.