Government says it needs ample time to consult on increasing calls to scrap off examination fees, which candidates are to mandated pay to sit in for examinations administered by the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB).

The development follows recent revelation that over 29, 000 candidates risked not writing this year`s Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE), Junior Certificate of Education (JCE), Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) and Primary Teacher Certificate of Education (PTCE) due to failure by their parents and guardians to pay the examinations fees.

But reacting to the development, Ministry of Education spokesperson Mphatso Nkuonera said the ministry is following the discussion and respects all views being expressed.

He said: “The Ministry needs ample time to consult on this and make a decision.

Otherwise, we respect the views and treat them with all the seriousness they deserve.

“We are aware that the right to education is enshrined in our constitution. As such, we respect that, but regarding scrapping off examination fees, we need to widely consult and come up with a decision.”

Nkuonera added that authorities need conduct wide consultations before determining its stand on the matter.

“To run an examination requires huge resources starting from the time of formulation to the time of administration and the release of the results, and this is why we are saying the Ministry requires ample time for us to make a solid decision of course after thorough consultation,” he narrated.