North-West still offers recognised programmes

The North-West University (NWU) has been involved in supporting teachers in Namibia to upgrade their education qualifications since 1998. NWU is currently the fourth largest university in South Africa, with approximately 60 000 students.
NWU also has the largest number of educator students in relation to other SA universities. All educator programmes that are being offered are accredited through the Council for Higher Education (CHE) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The academic quality and operational processes of the programmes were exposed to several international and national evaluations during the past two years, with excellent reports.
A cooperation agreement of six years existed in the past with the Institute for Open Learning (IOL) whereby administrative and logistical support, as well as contact class presentations, were offered to students.
During February, NWU however decided not to extend the contract with IOL. This decision was communicated to the Namibian Qualifications Authority (NQA). After a recent discussion with the Namibia National Teachers’ Union (NANTU) a final decision was made not to make use of IOL’s services any longer.
During the six years of cooperation, IOL bought the Education Management programme from NWU, after NWU decided that the programme did not comply with Namibian requirements and the programme was halted. The programmes NWU are currently offering in Namibia are acknowledged by the NQA.  Any other perceptions that may have been created are inaccurate and unreasonable.  When considering new programmes on the market, it is always important to ensure that the relevant presenter/institution has acquired NQA accreditation. NWU only accepts the NWU programme, Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE), as acceptable for admission to the B.Ed. Honours degree.
To ensure quality service delivery to students, who are obviously also our clients, NWU decided to conclude a cooperation agreement with the local Business School of Excellence (BSE), to provide logistical support for all NWU programmes in future. NWU has for the past 16 years had an agreement with BSE’s affiliate company in South Africa, and the service they deliver to students is of outstanding quality. The most modern technologies are used, NWU lecturers present classes personally, student service is of outstanding international standard and tariffs are realistic. Fees are collected responsibly and students have a choice as to which institution they want to arrange financing through. Among others, they can contact Letshego Finance, to arrange financing for their studies.
NWU, in cooperation with the NQA are also planning to offer other essential educator programmes, such as the BEd-upgrade (from a diploma or certificate to a degree), the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and the Grade-R diploma (Foundation phase).
Contact Business School of Excellence on 061 247 879 or [email protected] for enquiries.