A newly formed pressure group calling itself the Movement for Change has come under criticism over its campaign against the increase in tuition fees at Malawi’s public universities.
The group says it is challenging the 100 percent fee adjustment, arguing that the increase will make higher education less affordable for many students and their families.
But critics have accused the organisation of using the fee debate to advance a political agenda, saying the campaign overlooks the financial challenges facing public universities.
The fee adjustment has doubled tuition charges for generic undergraduate programmes from about K650,000 to K1.3 million per year at institutions including the University of Malawi, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mzuzu University, Malawi University of Science and Technology and Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences.
At the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, students are now expected to pay around K2 million per year, alongside increased medical insurance charges.
Government says the adjustment was necessary due to the rising cost of running universities, including expenses for teaching materials, research, ICT infrastructure, salaries, electricity and other operational needs.
Education Minister Bright Msaka told Parliament recently that government had considered several proposals before approving the increase.
He described the approved adjustment as the lowest option presented, saying the additional revenue would help universities improve learning facilities, strengthen research and maintain essential services.
Msaka said students from vulnerable backgrounds would continue to receive support through the Higher Education Students’ Loans and Grants Scheme.
According to the minister, funding for the scheme has been increased to support about 38,000 students.
He added that government was also reviewing student allowances in response to the rising cost of living.
The debate comes as Malawi continues to face economic challenges, with inflation, foreign exchange shortages and increased operational costs affecting both households and public institutions.
Economic observers say universities are also feeling the impact of higher costs for fuel, electricity, imported equipment and learning resources.
While acknowledging concerns from students over affordability, critics argue that opposing the fee increase without addressing the funding gap facing universities does not provide a long-term solution.
They say the focus should be on ensuring that students who cannot afford the new fees have access to financial support, rather than turning the issue into a political confrontation.
Critics of the Movement for Change further argue that the group’s messaging appears aimed at gaining public support by tapping into genuine frustrations among students and parents.
They say the organisation has not provided clear alternatives on how universities can meet rising operational costs without additional funding.
The critics maintain that the bigger debate should be about sustainable financing of higher education, expanding access and protecting disadvantaged learners.
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