The Malawi College of Distance Education (MCDE) and the University of Malawi (UNIMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) in Malawi.

The agreement was signed on Thursday, 17 September 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology headquarters in Lilongwe.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Secretary for Education, Science and Technology, Dr Ken Ndala, said the partnership provides a formal framework for the two public institutions to combine their expertise and experience for mutual benefit.

Dr Ndala said MCDE brings extensive experience in open and distance education and supporting distance learners, while UNIMA contributes academic, professional and research expertise.

He said an immediate outcome of the partnership is the provision of a Postgraduate Diploma in Open and Distance Learning, which will help develop professionals with the skills to design, deliver, manage and assure the quality of ODeL programmes.

Dr Ndala described the signing as the beginning of a broader and sustained institutional relationship, urging both institutions to ensure that the partnership delivers tangible benefits to academic staff and learners.

The Vice Chancellor of UNIMA, Professor Samson Sajidu, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to the partnership, highlighting its potential to achieve more through collaboration.

He said the collaboration is expected to foster ongoing research and professional development opportunities, contributing to the growth of open distance and e-learning in Malawi.

He further reaffirmed UNIMA’s commitment to the partnership, highlighting its potential to achieve more through collaboration.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has welcomed the partnership, which is expected to contribute to the development and strengthening of Open, Distance and e-Learning in Malawi.