Malawi University of Science and Technology: ODeL Grading Scandal Rocks MUST

• Malawi University of Science and Technology's (MUST) first graduation ceremony for Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) students was marred by controversy over degree classification.
• Numerous ODeL students who failed to meet MUST's academic requirements were awarded credit-level degrees, while others qualified for credit graduated with only a pass.
• The university relies on the SARIS system, which has operational problems and may be contributing to errors in degree classification.
• A single Registry Assistant is responsible for processing all grade processing for the entire ODeL programme, raising concerns about staffing and workload.

This discrepancy has raised serious questions about the integrity of MUST's grading system.

Malawi University of Science and Technology's (MUST) first graduation ceremony for Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) students was marred by controversy when multiple graduates came forward with claims of injustices in degree classification. The issue arose despite MUST's own Senate rules and regulations, which dictate that students must achieve at least a 65 percent average at Level 3 or at least 60 percent at Level 2 to graduate with credit. However, numerous ODeL students who failed to meet these requirements were awarded credit-level degrees, while others who should have qualified for credit graduated with only a pass. This discrepancy has raised serious questions about the integrity of MUST's grading system.

MUST's reliance on the SARIS system to manage grades has been identified as a potential source of error. The university official pointed out that grades entered at departmental level often do not match those generated by the system, leading to confusion and inaccuracies in degree classification. Furthermore, the use of a single Registry Assistant to process all grade processing for the entire ODeL programme has been criticized as inadequate, particularly given the officer's severe workload. This staffing shortfall may have contributed to the errors plaguing the graduating cohort.

The revelations surrounding MUST's ODeL graduation have left affected students uncertain about the validity of their qualifications. With multiple graduates claiming that their degree classifications do not accurately reflect their academic performance, there are concerns about the credibility of the university's grading system. Lawyers advising clients who graduated from MUST's ODeL programme are now warning them to review their degree classifications carefully and be on the lookout for potential claims of grading irregularities or sex-for-grades scandals.

Lawyers advising clients who graduated from MUST's ODeL programme should review their degree classifications to ensure they accurately reflect academic performance, and be on the lookout for potential claims of grading irregularities or sex-for-grades scandals.

Source: Original reporting via Nyasa Times