The Higher Education Students’ Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) have advised Students at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), to provide complete and accurate information during the application and bonding processes to avoid being excluded from the provisional list or experiencing delays in loan disbursement.

Speaking on Tuesday at the first-year student orientation at MUBAS, HESLGB’s Loans and Grants Disbursement Manager, Abels Tembo, stressed that incomplete or incorrect information provided during the loan application process often results in many needy students being excluded from the provisional list. Tembo explained that the Students Financing Management Information System (SFMIS) relies on sufficient and accurate data to identify needy and deserving students. 

“Failure to provide all necessary details makes it difficult for the system to recognize applicants as eligible beneficiaries,” he said. Tembo urged students to fully describe their circumstances and attach all required documents to ensure they are not left out.

Regarding delays in loan disbursement, Tembo highlighted those discrepancies in names on identity cards, incorrect bank account details, inactive accounts, or accounts not registered under the student’s name are significant contributors to the problem. He called on students to double-check their information to avoid unnecessary delays.

In her remarks, the Director of Students Affairs at MUBAS, Dr.Gertrude Sitolo, commended HESLGB for conducting the orientation session. She noted that the engagement had greatly benefited students eager to learn more about the board’s services and processes. Sitolo acknowledged that the session addressed common challenges students face during the application process and urged HESLGB to enhance its communication efforts.

 “While the board is doing commendable work through social media platforms, many new students from remote areas lack access to these platforms due to limited resources. HESLGB should also consider printed materials such as brochures and posters, which can be displayed on our notice boards to ensure the message reaches everyone,” she said.

One of the students in attendance, Alinafe Tangwe, a Bachelor of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain Management student, expressed her gratitude for the session. “The Loans Board’s presence here has helped me understand their services, including the application and bonding processes. As a beneficiary, the loan has enabled me to pursue higher education, which my guardians could not afford,” she said. Tangwe also encouraged former beneficiaries to repay their loans promptly to ensure that more needy students continue to benefit.