Brilliant Minds, Broken System— Gift Sukali Speaks on Malawi’s University Challenges
NewsMay 20, 2026
Malawian universities are facing growing scrutiny over concerns that students are being failed not by lack of intelligence, but by an education system struggling to provide adequate academic and welfare support.
The remarks has been made by Malawian Film maker Gift Sukez Sukali, who says his experience studying in the United States exposed major structural challenges affecting higher education in Malawi.
Sukali, who studied at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences before continuing his studies at Ohio University, argues that many universities in Malawi place too much emphasis on final examinations while offering limited student support systems.
According to Sukali, the result is that many capable students struggle to reach their full potential despite working hard academically.
He says unlike in the United States, where universities invest heavily in academic advising, counseling services, mentorship, tutoring, and student welfare, many Malawian institutions operate under pressure from limited resources and growing student demands.
“Students are fighting two battles at once academic pressure and survival,” Sukali explains.
He notes that challenges such as inadequate accommodation, financial hardship, mental stress, and limited lecturer-student interaction continue to affect student performance across many campuses.
The Multi-award-winning film director and Master of Fine Arts in Film graduate from Ohio University, questioned Malawi’s examination-centered assessment model, arguing that it measures performance under pressure rather than consistent understanding and the practical application of knowledge.
During his undergraduate studies in Malawi, Sukali says only one student in his class graduated with distinction something he believes reflects systemic weaknesses more than lack of student capability.
His remarks have reignited debate about the condition of higher education institutions in Malawi at a time when universities are battling overcrowding, inadequate funding, rising enrollment, and increasing expectations for quality education.
Education analysts say the concerns highlight the urgent need for reforms that prioritize continuous assessment, student mental health support, stronger academic mentorship, and improved welfare systems.
Sukali believes Malawian students remain highly resilient despite the challenges.
He says with stronger institutional support, universities in Malawi have the potential to produce far more outstanding graduates.
“The future of education is not about making learning harder,” he says. “It is about making success more possible.”
Gift Sukali was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Program scholarship in September 2023 to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Film at Ohio University in the United States.
By Joseph Mphiya
The remarks has been made by Malawian Film maker Gift Sukez Sukali, who says his experience studying in the United States exposed major structural challenges affecting higher education in Malawi.
Sukali, who studied at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences before continuing his studies at Ohio University, argues that many universities in Malawi place too much emphasis on final examinations while offering limited student support systems.
According to Sukali, the result is that many capable students struggle to reach their full potential despite working hard academically.
He says unlike in the United States, where universities invest heavily in academic advising, counseling services, mentorship, tutoring, and student welfare, many Malawian institutions operate under pressure from limited resources and growing student demands.
“Students are fighting two battles at once academic pressure and survival,” Sukali explains.
He notes that challenges such as inadequate accommodation, financial hardship, mental stress, and limited lecturer-student interaction continue to affect student performance across many campuses.
The Multi-award-winning film director and Master of Fine Arts in Film graduate from Ohio University, questioned Malawi’s examination-centered assessment model, arguing that it measures performance under pressure rather than consistent understanding and the practical application of knowledge.
During his undergraduate studies in Malawi, Sukali says only one student in his class graduated with distinction something he believes reflects systemic weaknesses more than lack of student capability.
His remarks have reignited debate about the condition of higher education institutions in Malawi at a time when universities are battling overcrowding, inadequate funding, rising enrollment, and increasing expectations for quality education.
Education analysts say the concerns highlight the urgent need for reforms that prioritize continuous assessment, student mental health support, stronger academic mentorship, and improved welfare systems.
Sukali believes Malawian students remain highly resilient despite the challenges.
He says with stronger institutional support, universities in Malawi have the potential to produce far more outstanding graduates.
“The future of education is not about making learning harder,” he says. “It is about making success more possible.”
Gift Sukali was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Program scholarship in September 2023 to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Film at Ohio University in the United States.
By Joseph Mphiya