Government re-introduces JCE, abolishes quota system

Government has re-introduced Junior Certificate Examinations JCE and abolished quota system in the selection of students to universities.

In a statement Minister of education, science and technology Dr William Susuwele Banda says government has re-introduced JCE after following with keen interest the debate on the same as one way of enhancing quality.

Dr Susuwele Banda said the abolition of JCE examinations meant that students were taking four years in secondary school before taking national examinations.

“This arrangement encouraged students to relax and at the end not doing well in their examinations at the end of the four years. Furthermore candidates that failed MSCE examinations had nothing to show their attendance at secondary school level,” education Minister explains

Susuwele Banda says it is against this background that government is re-introducing JCE examination with effect from 2020 to 2021 school calendar year.

He further says the first JCE examinations after the re-introduction will be taken in 2021.

The education minister adds that government has abolished quota system selection into universities based on numerous consultations with the society and academia on the issues of quality, equally and provision of opportunities to well deserving students.

“However government will continue with its affirmative action towards girls and students with disabilities,” Susuwele Banda says

He has stressed that selection to day secondary schools and community day secondary schools will be based on merit.

The education Minister  has reiterated that selection to national boarding secondary schools will no longer consider proximity and economic factor.

He emphasizes that this policy help build one Malawi that does not focus on region or district of origin so that all Malawian children benefit education resources.