Africa-Press – Malawi. It appears that some Malawians have been brainwashed into thinking that a high academic qualification is a guaranteed panacea to success and prosperity in life.
Much as education may unlock some opportunities, there is ample evidence that the distribution of wealth and success is not only in favor of the most educated.
A couple of months ago, Prof. Danwood Chirwa, Professor of Law at the University of Cape Town spilled the beans by exposing some influential people who possess fake academic qualifications.
Notable on the list are Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, George Kainja, Collins Magalasi, Benson Malunga Phiri, Kondwani Nankhumwa, Pemphero Mphande, Patience Namadingo, Ethel Kamwendo Banda. This list is not exhaustive.
What motivates people to obtain fake degrees?
There are many motivational factors that have contributed to the rampant proliferation of fake degrees in Malawi. Fake degree holders still get formal employment opportunities
First, the Tonse Alliance government has carelessly chosen to recognize fake degrees. It is worrisome that President Chakwera appointed people with questionable academic qualifications to crucial positions in society.
For instance, Violet Chakwera, a daughter to President Chakwera, was appointed to a diplomatic position in the United Kingdom. However, according to her LinkedIn profile, Violet possesses a bachelor’s degree in tourism and travel services management from Amity University.
It is on record that Malawi’s National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) did not accredit Amity University because it fell short of the required standard.
As if this nepotism is not enough, President Chakwera appointed George Kainja, former Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service. George possesses a PhD from a diploma mill according to Prof. Danwood Chirwa’s analysis.
Despite the fact that the Office of the Ombudsman faulted the incumbent Chief Executive Officer of the Malawi Energy Regulatory Agency (MERA) for possessing a master’s degree from an unaccredited University, Mr Henry Kachaje is still clinging to the same job for over two years now.
Although Ken Zikhale Ng’oma has not cleared the allegations that he possesses a fake PhD degree, President Chakwera went ahead to appoint him as Minister of Homeland Security.
Don’t call them Drs at all
Another motivational factor for escalating fake academic degrees in Malawi is that people who use shortcuts to get fake qualifications are still revered as if they possess genuine ones.
One wonders why a person with a fake PhD is called a Dr. In fact, attaching the title of Dr. to fake PhD holders such as Kondwani Nankhumwa, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, and many others is a shameful mockery to those who meritoriously achieved it.
Vilekeke. This must stop forthwith. This applies to all honorary doctorate degree holders who are not supposed to change titles. It sounds awkward when the following titles are attached to their names: Prof.
Lazarus Chakwera, Prof. Getrude Mutharika, Dr. Bakili Muluzi, Dr. Joyce Banda, Dr. Uladi Mussa, Dr. Patience Namadingo, Dr. Pemphero Mphande, Dr. Patricia Kaliati and many more. From now onwards, stop changing the titles of people who have honorary doctorate degrees. Vilekeke.
How to detect fake degrees
Individual academic progression If you hear someone who has no first degree boasting about possessing a PhD, it is an indicator of something bogus. For instance, Ben Malunga Phiri claims that he has a PhD despite the fact that there is no evidence that he has even a first degree or master’s degree.
Even Kondwani Nankhumwa has not cleared his name over allegations that he used the Malawi School Certificate of Education certificate of his deceased brother. Yet now he brags about possessing a PhD.
College or university accreditation It is also important to cross-check if the college or university that offers a degree is an accredited academic institution. For instance, Amity University, Jerusalem University, and Cyprus International University have not been accredited by NCHE in Malawi.
Period of study
Bogus degrees usually take a shorter time to complete. For instance, PhD studies usually take 3 years. However, Kondwani Nankhumwa claims to have done data collection, data analysis, and thesis writing in only three months.
Depth and breadth of the course content
Genuine degree programs normally take longer to complete because relevant course contents must be rigorously covered and examined.
Fees
Bogus degrees usually cost a substantial amount of money because diploma mills that sell degrees focus on making money rather than on offering quality education services.
Physical presence
Most diploma mills have no physical offices. Even if you try to check them on their website, the information they provide is usually equivocal and misleading.
Recommendations
There must be collaboration among the government, private sector, and academic institutions to curb the proliferation of fake degrees. Higher education institutions should develop a regulatory and evaluation framework to flash out fake degrees when recruiting both staff and students.
The general public should be sensitized on the merits of pursuing only accredited programs in accredited institutions. All employees and new recruits must submit their academic certificates to NCHE and Malawi National Examination Board for verification.
Appropriate action including dismissal must be taken against the culprits. NCHE should irregularly publish a list of accredited colleges and universities
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