The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has deregistered Pentecostal Life University (PLU), citing the institution’s continued failure to comply with minimum standards despite repeated opportunities to address the shortcomings.
The Council said the deregistration became effective on June 5, 2026, following its publication in the Malawi Gazette Supplement. According to the Council, the decision was reached on September 12, 2025, and was formally communicated to the institution on February 23, 2026.
According to the council, the deregistration was made under Sections 15(b) and 23 of the National Council for Higher Education Act following PLU’s failure to address persistent non-compliance with the Minimum Standards for Higher Education Institutions in Malawi.
NCHE said the decision followed a regulatory process that included spot checks, quality audits, verifications, compliance directives, opportunities for the institution to address identified deficiencies and engagements with the institution’s leadership.
Despite those interventions, the institution did not meet the required standards within the prescribed timeframe, the council said.As a result, PLU must cease operating as a higher education institution in Malawi with immediate effect.
It must also stop offering higher education programmes and related academic activities.The council further said the institution must not admit students or advertise academic programmes as a registered higher education institution.
It added that qualifications awarded after the effective date of deregistration will not be recognised.NCHE said PLU is required to cooperate in facilitating arrangements for affected students.
Eligible students, excluding those with fewer than six Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) credits, including English or its equivalent qualification, will be allowed to transfer to other accredited higher education institutions of their choice.
The council also directed the institution to submit a database of all students who have graduated since its inception, all continuing students at every level and all students who were withdrawn.
NCHE acknowledged the concerns the decision may cause for students, parents, staff and other stakeholders, saying it will work with relevant authorities and institutions to ensure affected students receive appropriate guidance on available options.
The council advised the public to verify the registration and accreditation status of higher education institutions and academic programmes before enrolling, adding that it remains committed to enforcing regulatory standards in the interest of the public and the national education system.By: Ben Bongololo
