By Sothine Ndazi
Malawian legal expert John Mwakhwawa has stressed the need to increase the number of learning institutions offering legal studies to reduce the challenges faced by citizens seeking legal representation in Malawi.
Speaking in an interview with MBC, Mwakhwawa noted that currently only the University of Malawi and the Catholic University of Malawi offer law degrees in the country.
“This would help expand access to legal education and allow more students to study law,” he said.
He, however, said this should not be done without proper regulation. Any university wishing to offer a law degree must meet the required academic standards and follow clearly set guidelines
Link for Education Governance Executive Director Limbani Nsapato said the few institutions with the capacity to train lawyers produce limited numbers of graduates within the required study period, contributing to the shortage.
He added that broadening access to legal education would not only increase the number of trained lawyers but also improve access to justice, strengthen good governance, and support the country’s development aspirations under the Malawi 2063 agenda.
In response, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Public Relations Officer, Lily Kampani, said the ministry acknowledges the need to increase access to legal education in Malawi to help address the low lawyer-to-population ratio, but institutions need to meet the required academic, infrastructure, and accreditation standards.
She, however, said the Ministry is encouraging interested universities to apply through established regulatory frameworks and working with relevant bodies to ensure that any expansion strengthens the legal profession and aligns with national development priorities.
