A K594,500 debt has pushed a University of Malawi student into severe distress, culminating in a suicide attempt.
Third-year Education student Joseph Nenani Major said financial pressure, academic struggles and mounting personal responsibilities had left him struggling to cope.
In a handwritten note, Major said he had been withdrawn from the university twice because of financial debts and had been expected to graduate in the 2021/22 academic year.
He said he owed K594,500 to four people and had been unable to settle the debts, which contributed to his suicide attempt.
Speaking to Malawi24, Major confirmed the note and said he had been going through deep distress because of his financial and academic challenges.
However, he said friends had since rallied around him and were helping him cope.
“Friends have been with me since yesterday after they noted my attempt, and they have helped mentally with advice,” he said.
Major said he is a self-sponsored student who had struggled to secure meaningful financial assistance despite approaching several people for help.
He said his financial difficulties had made it difficult for him to realise his potential and move forward with his life.
Major, who hails from Meja Village in Chikwawa District, is pursuing a degree in Education at UNIMA.
In July 2025, former President Lazarus Chakwera assented to the Mental Health Act, which strengthened the legal framework for mental healthcare and sought to promote access to mental health services.
Section 229 of the Penal Code had previously provided for punishment for attempted suicide, including imprisonment of up to two years.
