Malawi College of Distance Education (MCDE) and the University of Malawi (UNIMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement aimed at strengthening Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) in Malawi.
The partnership will facilitate the delivery of a Postgraduate Diploma in Open and Distance Learning, with 41 students already recruited for the current academic year.
Secretary for Education, Science and Technology, Ken Ndala, says the collaboration will help develop professionals with the skills to design, deliver, manage and assure the quality of ODeL programmes.
UNIMA Vice Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu, says the initiative will help expand access to higher education to people who may not be able to participate in conventional learning.
Professor Sajidu says developing specialised ODeL professionals is critical as Malawi increasingly adopts flexible and technology-supported approaches to education.
The partnership is also expected to contribute to national human capital development priorities under Malawi 2063, while supporting efforts to improve access, quality and lifelong learning opportunities.
Both institutions say the agreement will provide a foundation for further collaboration in research, professional development, staff capacity building and quality assurance.
By Wanangwa Mvalo
