Niël Terblanché
The Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) called on the media to help raise awareness and protect the public in addressing the growing threat posed by bogus educational institutions.
Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) Governing Council member Valerie Garises of the council chairperson Dr Romanus Shivoro, emphasised the need for increased public awareness.
“Fraudulent institutions compromise the integrity of our education system. By disseminating accurate and timely information, you can equip Namibians with the knowledge to make informed decisions,” she said.
She made the call during a media engagement dinner held in Windhoek on Tuesday.
During the event, the NQA also celebrated several milestones including the launch of a revamped website with user-friendly features, extensive stakeholder engagement initiatives to align qualifications with global standards, and outreach efforts across Namibian regions.
Garises said that the authority reached diverse audiences through trade fairs, expos, and targeted engagements with learners, educators, and traditional authorities.
She also expressed the NQA’s gratitude for the media’s role in amplifying these efforts and their potential to inform the public about upcoming initiatives.
Garises emphasised the importance of ethical journalism in building public trust and disseminating reliable information.
“This event is not only an opportunity to interact with the leadership of the NQA but also a platform to strengthen our partnership with the media,” she said.
She added that the NQA is transitioning into a new phase of operational efficiency and public engagement.
“The media’s role as a strategic partner remains central,” she said.
Garises reiterated the organisation’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and mutual growth.
She encouraged continued dialogue and collaboration to build a foundation of knowledge that will serve Namibia’s future generations.
She added that the authority is ready to embrace digital transformation while reinforcing its ties with the media to ensure the public is always informed and empowered in making educational decisions.
Garises reiterated the NQA’s commitment to ensuring the quality and integrity of qualifications in Namibia, emphasising the organisation’s role in assessing and accrediting educational institutions.
“The skills obtained through our qualifications system are essential for driving Namibia’s economic development and enhancing its global competitiveness,” she said.
Garises added that the NQA’s mandate extends to promoting quality education, safeguarding the credibility of the nation’s qualifications, and aligning them with international standards.
She said that a key focus of the NQA is its ongoing efforts to digitise its operations.
“This transformation, scheduled for full implementation by 2026, aims to create a paperless environment while enhancing efficiency in evaluating qualifications, accreditation processes, audits, and assessments,” she said.
Garises noted that automation would improve service delivery, streamline operations, and meet the growing demands of a digitally evolving society.
