The Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) has demanded urgent accountability and protection for affected students following allegations of academic record manipulation at Mzuzu University, warning that the matter threatens the credibility of Malawi’s higher education system.
In a statement issued on February 10, 2026, the coalition said it was deeply concerned by revelations from the university that irregular alterations had been detected in its Integrated Management Information System (IMIS), affecting at least 103 student portals.
As a result of the suspected irregularities, Mzuzu University has withheld graduation for 55 finalists while investigations continue with the involvement of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
CSEC said while the university’s admission of system irregularities was an important step, the response so far falls short of the level of accountability and transparency required when academic integrity is at stake.
“The students affected by this matter are victims, not perpetrators,” the coalition said, warning that innocent finalists are now facing academic uncertainty, psychological stress and socio-economic hardship through no fault of their own.
The organisation expressed concern that some students may be compelled to repeat academic years or programmes, describing such outcomes as unjust and contrary to principles of fair administrative justice.
“No student should be forced to restart or repeat academic programmes without individualised, evidence-based determinations,” the statement reads.
CSEC also criticised what it described as a defensive communication approach by the university, including warnings against “misrepresentation” and “malicious attacks,” arguing that transparency and timely disclosure are essential to restoring public trust.
“Trust in higher education is rebuilt through truth, openness and accountability, not defensive posturing or delayed disclosures,” the coalition said.
To address the crisis, CSEC issued a set of non-negotiable demands, including immediate protection of affected students from academic or financial harm, a fully independent and transparent investigation with publicly released findings, and decisive action against any staff or external actors implicated in the alleged manipulation of academic records.
The coalition further called for national-level audits of academic management and information systems across all public universities to prevent similar incidents and safeguard the integrity of Malawian degrees.
CSEC warned that it will closely monitor developments at Mzuzu University and will escalate advocacy efforts, including engagement with statutory oversight bodies, if transparency, student protection, and accountability are not demonstrably upheld.
“The credibility of Malawi’s higher education system must be defended without compromise,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by CSEC Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe and Board Chairperson Dr Limbani Nsapato.
