2025 ODeL Symposium at Bingu International Convention Centre

National Symposium Charts Path for a More Inclusive and Accessible Digital Learning Future in Malawi

LILONGWE – In a significant step towards reimagining education for the 21st century, Malawi’s academic and policy leaders converged at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) on December 11, 2025, for the National Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) Symposium. The event was officially opened by the Secretary for Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Ken Ndala.

Held under the theme “Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Access and Success in Open, Distance, and e-Learning,” the symposium shifted from broad concepts to evidence-based strategies, featuring groundbreaking research from across the nation's higher education landscape.

In his keynote address, Dr. Ndala framed ODeL as a critical lever for national development. “To achieve the inclusive, knowledge-driven society envisioned in Malawi 2063, we must leverage technology to dismantle barriers. This symposium is about turning policy aspirations into tangible learning outcomes for every citizen,” he stated.

The day was anchored by the presentation and discussion of peer-reviewed research abstracts, showcasing the depth of local scholarship on ODeL. Key insights emerged from several pivotal studies:

Reimagining Pedagogy: Dr. Annie Chizengo of the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences presented a systematic review identifying a global shift towards student-centred ODeL, powered by AI, learning analytics, and micro-credentials. She urged Malawian institutions to adopt pedagogically grounded models over mere technology-driven approaches.

Confronting the Digital Divide: A stark study by Dr. Lazarus Banda of Nalikule College of Education revealed how off-campus students' learning is hindered by power outages, poor internet, and inadequate study spaces. He proposed a practical "Learning-Friendly Housing Framework" calling for minimum connectivity and utility standards in student accommodations.

Policy vs. Practice: Research by Darlington Guuda exposed a significant gap in Open Secondary School admissions, where practices often deviate from national policy for financial gain, underscoring a need for stricter oversight and accountability.

Building Digital Readiness: A compelling presentation by Godwins Lwinga (PhD) of the University of Livingstonia challenged the smartphone ban in secondary schools. His research found that this policy inadvertently widens the digital divide, leaving students ill-prepared for the technological demands of tertiary ODeL programmes.

The symposium also highlighted innovative solutions, such as the Xulendo and Herlendo platforms, which provide offline digital learning and gender-responsive content to rural schools, demonstrating how sustainable technology can bridge access gaps.

The conference concluded with a strong consensus on the need for integrated action. Key resolutions included advancing the creation of shared, community-based ODeL hubs to replace fragmented institutional systems and strengthening national policy to support educators in their transition from lecturers to facilitators of digital learning.

About the Symposium:
The National Open, Distance and e-Learning Symposium showcased the research driving Malawi's educational transformation. The presented studies will directly inform the national ODeL strategy and policy framework, aligning with the goals of Malawi 2063 and Sustainable Development Goal 4.