The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has deregistered Pentecostal Life University (PLU) as a higher education institution, citing persistent failure to meet minimum operational standards. The decision will take effect upon publication in the Gazette.
The council resolved to deregister the university during its extraordinary meeting held on August 11, 2025. The move was made under Section 15 (b) of the National Council for Higher Education Act.
Following the resolution, the council recommended the deregistration to the Minister responsible for Education. The Minister approved the recommendation on September 12, 2025, in accordance with Section 23 of the Act.
NCHE said the main reason for the decision was PLU’s continued non-compliance with the Minimum Standards for Higher Education Institutions in Malawi.
The council stated that the institution failed to address the shortcomings despite repeated engagements.
The decision followed an interface hearing convened on July 22, 2025. During the hearing, PLU presented its representations before the council.
The university later submitted additional written evidence on July 29, 2025, in support of its position. However, the council said it remained unsatisfied with the explanations provided.
NCHE indicated that the deregistration follows years of engagement with PLU over its failure to comply with regulatory requirements. The council maintained that the minimum standards are mandatory for all higher education institutions.
The regulator clarified that the deregistration will not affect the validity of certificates, diplomas, degrees or other academic qualifications awarded before publication of the decision in the Gazette.
At its extraordinary meeting held on February 16, 2026, the council directed PLU to undertake several measures within 60 days. These include preparing students, staff and stakeholders for the decision and expediting the awarding of qualifications to students who have completed their studies.
The council also ordered PLU to facilitate the transfer of eligible students to other accredited institutions and to submit a comprehensive database of graduates, prospective graduates, continuing students and withdrawn students.
Transfers will apply only to students who meet government admission requirements, including at least six MSCE credits, including English.
