Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has reversed its earlier decision to delay the opening of some national and boarding secondary schools due to floods that have disconnected some key roads. Secretary for Education, Science and Technology Ken Ndala on Saturday issued a statement that all schools in Nkhotakota will not open for the second term until January 12 due to floods and that students in national and some boarding secondary schools affected by the damage of the M1 and M5 would also report on January 12. However, in a separate communication 24 hours later, he said the earlier decision was ‘partially’ reversed following the opening of temporary passage at Mpasadzi Bridge on the M1 in Kasungu.
Reads in part Ndala’s statement issued yesterday: “This means that all public national and district boarding secondary schools will open on 5 January 2026 as previously scheduled. “However, public schools in Nkhotakota District will remain closed and open on 12 January 2026 as earlier announced, due to the flood-response efforts taking place within the district.” In his reaction, quality education activist Benedicto Kondowe said in an interview yesterday that it is crucial to ensure that the changes do not disrupt the academic calendar. He said fixed academic calendars make it possible for parents and guardians to plan properly.
“The government has an obligation to make sure the academic calendar is not disturbed,” said Kondowe, acknowledging that in case of disasters, the calendar can change if necessary. Ministry of Education, Science and Technology indicated that the second term will open on January 5 and close on April 2 while the third term will start on April 20. The first term closed on December 19 2025.
