MCA Lilongwe Hosts Mental Health Talk as Experts Warn on Rising Depression Cases

Mental health experts from Malamulo College of Health Sciences say depression, drug and substance abuse resulting from peer pressure, remain major mental health issues influencing people to commit suicide in the country.
The college's business development manager, Precious Chakanika made the observation on Friday, March 6, during a mental health talk for over 70 members of staff and students from the Malawi College of Accountancy (MCA)- Lilongwe campus.
Chakanika said increased mental health awareness in homes, schools and work places among other areas is key to address the sitution, while urging for establishment of psycho-social committees to handle issues reported by victims.
MCA- Lilongwe campus acting director Humphrey Matimbe said they saw it necessary to have the capacity building workshop for both students and staff members to make the campus a conducive environment for all, including sorrounding communities.
Two students Kelvin Dzama and Josophine Kapatuka cited examination and peer pressures as some of the challenges pushing them to mental health issues, describing the health talk as an eye opener.

MCA Conducts Career Talk at Our Lady of Wisdom Girls Secondary School

The Malawi College of Accountancy (MCA) on Tuesday, 10 February, conducted a career talk at Our Lady of Wisdom Girls Secondary School aimed at guiding students on their academic and professional pathways.

During the engagement, students were oriented on the various Degree and Diploma programmes offered at MCA, as well as the career opportunities attached to each programme.

Speaking at the event, MCA Marketing Officer Patrick Kaitano encouraged the students to set clear goals at an early stage to help shape their journey towards higher education.

“At MCA, we offer programmes that are relevant to today’s dynamic business environment. We are here to help you make informed career choices that align with your aspirations,” he said.

Lecturer and Coordinator for the Bachelor of Marketing and Public Relations programme, Ajida Osman, urged the students to work hard in their studies to meet the entry requirements for MCA’s programmes, which include at least six credits in MSCE or its equivalent, including English and Mathematics.

In his remarks, Deputy Headmaster of Our Lady Catholic Secondary School, Mr. Moses Malota, commended MCA for the initiative, stating that career talks provide students with valuable insight into available academic programmes and future career prospects.

Students were also given an opportunity to ask questions about MCA’s programmes, including the Bachelor of Applied Accounting, Auditing and Information Systems; Bachelor of Business Management and Entrepreneurship; Bachelor of Banking and Financial Services Management; Bachelor of Management Information Systems; Bachelor of Marketing and Public Relations; as well as professional programmes examined by ICAM, ABE, and ACCA.

MCA Establishes Research Ethics Committee to Strengthen Research Governance and Integrity

In a bid to strengthen research governance and integrity, the Malawi College of Accountancy (MCA) has established a Research Ethics Committee (MCA-REC). Members of the committee recently completed an induction session conducted by the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) in Dedza from 8th to 9th October 2025.

The training, facilitated by Esau Chisale, NCST Research Manager, covered key areas such as research ethics principles, informed consent, confidentiality, risk assessment, and compliance with ethical standards.

In his remarks, the Director for MCA Blantyre Campus, Dr. George Kaudza-Masina, hailed NCST for completing the long process that began in 2024. He expressed optimism that the Commission would continue to support MCA by involving the College in national research activities, including conferences and research grants.

Commenting on the same, MCA Head of Research, Elisa Ebiyamu, described the establishment of the committee as a major milestone towards promoting credible and responsible research among both staff and students.

“The creation of MCA-REC reflects our strong commitment to uphold ethical research practices and ensure that all studies involving human participants meet national and international standards,” said Ebiyamu.

The MCA-REC will be responsible for reviewing research proposals involving human participants, ensuring compliance with ethical and legal requirements, promoting awareness of research ethics, and monitoring ongoing studies. Committee members pledged to uphold high ethical standards and foster a culture of integrity and accountability in all research activities.

With the committee now in place, MCA joins other higher education institutions in Malawi recognized by the NCST for having formal research ethics oversight mechanisms. The College plans to operationalize the committee immediately, starting with the review of upcoming postgraduate and faculty research proposals, including research consultancy projects.

Dr. Said Jackson was elected Chairperson of the MCA-REC.