Social commentator Victor Chikoti has described the government’s announcement introducing free secondary education as “an exciting and historic development,” but has urged authorities to plan carefully and avoid repeating past mistakes made when free primary education was introduced in the late 1990s.
Chikoti made the remarks in reaction to President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s announcement that starting January 1, 2026, all public primary and secondary schools in Malawi will provide free education.
The President made the declaration on Sunday during the Mulhakho wa Alhomwe cultural festival in Mulanje District, where thousands of people gathered for the annual celebration.
“This is an exciting development because it fulfills one of government’s promises,” Chikoti said. “However, the introduction of anything free usually comes with fears that it might be abused. Government must ride on the mindset change policy to make Malawians appreciate and not misuse this opportunity.”
He said while free education opens doors for many children who have been left behind due to school fees, it also calls for serious investment in infrastructure and human resources.
“The coming in of free secondary education would mean the need for more classroom space, more textbooks, more teachers, staff rooms, and teachers’ houses,” he cautioned. “Government must ensure these challenges are addressed before rollout.”
Chikoti further highlighted that many learners in Malawi have been denied access to secondary education due to various fees, including tuition and examination costs.
The removal of these barriers, he said, is a major step forward for equality in education.
During his address, President Mutharika said the move is aimed at ensuring that every Malawian child has access to education, regardless of economic background.
He warned parents against negligence, urging them to send their children to school.
“I want this country to have more educated citizens because education is the cornerstone of national development,” the President said.
As the country looks ahead to 2026, Chikoti’s message serves as a reminder that while free secondary education is a victory for access and opportunity, its success will depend on planning, discipline and a collective mindset shift.
