Government has disclosed that Nalikule College of Education is in the process of developing an Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) Policy with support from the World Bank through the Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) project.

According to Deputy Minister of Education Nancy Chaola-Mdooko, the policy will lead to the development and eventual rolling out of ODeL programmes at the college.

Chaola-Mdooko disclosed this during the 3rd graduation ceremony for the award of diplomas and degrees in secondary education held on Friday at the College in Lilongwe.

She said: “To utilise this avenue to the fullest, the Ministry has established a fully-fledged ODeL Directorate which is charged with the responsibility of providing policy direction in ODeL and monitoring the implementation of ODeL programmes.

It is envisaged that with vibrant ODeL programmes, our education system will become resilient especially in times of emergencies just as was the case during the COVID 19 pandemic period.”

The deputy minister has since called upon stakeholders to support the technologically enabled learning and challenged lecturers and students alike to embrace technology in the teaching and learning process.

“I would like to remind universities and colleges that above teaching and learning, they are supposed to do comprehensive research that can inform policy. In addition to research, they are supposed to be innovation hubs through which they can lead the country’s drive to industrialise,” said Chaola-Mdooko.

Speaking during the ceremony, the College`s Principal Dr. Elizabeth Meke lamented numerous funding challenges the institution of higher learning is facing and are derailing smooth running of the college.

“The institution is facing a number of challenges in terms of funding, apart from that we also have a challenge with staffing, we have almost 55 percent vacancy rate, of course the Ministry is doing all it can to fill the vacancies.

“These challenges are every critical and affect the running of the institution, you know to manage an institution we need resources, while the government is trying its best, we are calling for development partners as well to come,” said Dr. Meke.

A total of 199 student teachers have graduated and government is optimistic that the graduands will help in achieving Malawi`s commitments by contributing towards a vibrant secondary school education system.