By Wezzie Gausi:
A total of 80,212 candidates failed the 2024 Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations, according to results announced by the Malawi National Examinations Board (Maneb) Monday.
This still represents a slight improvement from last year’s pass rate.
According to the results, out of the 177,434 candidates who sat the examination, 97,222 passed, which represents a 54.79 percent pass rate.
Addressing the press, Maneb Executive Director Dorothy Nampota said that out of the 92,686 male candidates who sat the examination, 56,415 passed, representing a 60.87 percent pass rate.
- Advertisement -
Nampota added that out of the 84,748 female candidates who sat the examination, 40,807 passed, which represents a 48.15 percent pass rate.
“This is an increase from last year, where the pass rate was 54.40 percent,” she said.
The top ten performing education districts, in descending order, are Zomba Urban, Mzuzu City, Karonga, Dowa, Chitipa, Nkhotakota, Dedza, Phalombe, Ntchisi and Nkhata Bay.
The bottom ten performing education districts, in ascending order, are Machinga, Thyolo, Lilongwe City, Lilongwe Rural East, Neno, Mchinji, Nsanje, Mangochi, Ntcheu, Balaka and Lilongwe Rural West,” Nampota said.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Commenting on the results, Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima said she was not impressed.
Kambauwa Wirima said most schools failed to produce students with distinctions or credits, which “is a cause for concern”.
“I am pleased that there is an improvement from last year, but as a nation, we can do better. It is my wish that we, as a ministry, strategise on how best we can assist these schools.
“Malawi was known for quality education, but over years, we have failed to maintain the standard, which needs to change,” Wirima said.
Meanwhile, Civil Society Education Coalition Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe said there is nothing positive about the results.
Kondowe noted that for close to eight years, the pass rate has been stuck in the 50 percent range, which is a cause for concern.
“This is the time to go back to the drawing board and revisit where we are going wrong as a nation and start making amends for our education system to thrive again,” Kondowe said.
