The Malawi College of Distance Education (MCDE) and the University of Malawi (UNIMA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen open, distance and e-learning in Malawi.
The agreement creates a framework for the two public institutions to combine their expertise in distance education, academic delivery, research and professional development.
One immediate outcome is the provision of a postgraduate diploma in open and distance learning, intended to develop professionals who can design, deliver and manage quality distance-learning programmes.
The partnership could help widen access to higher education for people who cannot easily attend traditional campus-based programmes because of work, location or other responsibilities.
Why it matters: Well-designed distance education can widen learning opportunities, but success also depends on internet access, affordable devices, student support and the quality of teaching materials.