So the Dearing committee has some justification in arguing that, even after the introduction of tuition fees, state spending on higher education should continue to grow in line with national income, and that this would be a wise investment.

ECONOMIST: Universities

They have warned that if Mr Muluzi decides to force the introduction of the new subject they will pull the schools out from the education system.

BBC: Malawi school plan sparks religious feud

Education committee chairman, Mervyn Storey of the DUP, asked if the Department of Education's policies had contributed to the slow down "as figures were nearly better before their introduction".

BBC: Education Committee