The Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Esther Jolobala, on Monday met with representatives of the Private Universities Students Association of Malawi (PUSAM) at the Parliament Building in Lilongwe to discuss challenges affecting students in private higher education institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the association, PUSAM General Secretary Joseph Manyika called for equitable access to government student loans and internship opportunities, saying students in private universities deserve the same support as their counterparts in public institutions.
Manyika also appealed for stronger and more transparent accreditation processes, stressing that students should not suffer the consequences when private universities are deregistered due to institutional shortcomings.
“We feel there is unequal access to government student loans and internship opportunities, despite contributing equally to national development as students in public universities,” said Manyika.
Responding to the concerns, Honourable Jolobala encouraged the students to submit a formal proposal to the Parliamentary Committee on Education for consideration.
She commended the students for engaging Parliament through established channels and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to promoting public participation in the legislative process.
“Parliament has taken citizen engagement seriously to foster people’s access to Parliament. Parliament is now open, and our committees are there to listen to public concerns and take the necessary steps,” she said.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Honourable Mutani Tambala, also attended the meeting.
He advised the students to ensure they are represented on their respective university councils and encouraged prospective students to verify that institutions meet the required accreditation standards before enrolling.
The students expressed appreciation to Parliament for granting them an audience and for the guidance provided.
They pledged to continue working collectively to promote and safeguard the interests and welfare of students in private universities across Malawi.
