Jessie Kabwila declares war on fake certificates

By Jimmy Chazama:

Higher Education Minister Jessie Kabwila has declared war on fake degrees and low education standards, describing them as a “cancer” that threatens the fabric of society.

Kabwila said her ministry would not tolerate the use of fake degrees and certificates, saying they undermine the value of legitimate qualifications and put individuals and society at risk.

The minister said, as such, all education institutions must be accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

She made the remarks at a press conference held in Lilongwe Wednesday, when she updated people on progress made in addressing the problem of fake degrees proliferation.

“These counterfeit credentials are a threat to the integrity of education as they undermine the value of legitimate qualifications, deceive employers and put individuals and the society at risk,” she said.

Kabwila also announced the de-registration of Africa University of Diplomacy, Counselling and International Relations for failing to comply with approved university statutes.

The ministry has also invalidated PhDs from Pentecostal Life University.

On honorary degrees, Kabwila said they should not be used as titles.

“They are meant to honour individuals for their outstanding contributions, not to confer academic credentials,” she said.

The minister also disclosed that a National Qualifications Framework was being developed to standardise degrees and papers.

She added that a Higher Education Bill would also be tabled in Parliament soon.

On her part, NCHE Chief Executive Officer Ambumulire Phiri said they had put in place standards for higher education institutions.

“The institutions need to visit NCHE to register their programmes and certify their quality. We are also urging students who have completed their form four education to contact NCHE to find out which programmes are accredited before enrolling,” Phiri said.

Last month, NCHE issued a statement in which it ordered recipients of honorary doctorate degrees to stop addressing themselves as “doctor”.