Education standards key to later success

Officially accredited, recognised and certified degrees and certificates are a genuine stepping stone in a career

Towards the end of 2013, a daily newspaper reported on the statement that the Minister of Education had made about rogue educational institutions.  Dr David Namwandi’s statement about Namibian students being swindled by education institutions both locally and internationally was very troubling.
This is a major problem as Namibians determined to get an education get duped into paying fees for degrees that have no meaning and no standing with prospective employees, as they are not officially recognised. One of the academic institutions which combat this and offers genuine certifications and accreditations is the Southern Business School Namibia. Its qualifications are recognised by the Namibian Qualifications Authority (NQA). The NQA is committed to the promotion of quality education and training in Namibia through the development and management of a comprehensive and flexible National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Speaking to Albin Jacobs, Director of the Southern Business School of Namibia he explained; “Education is vital for a nation and its youth. It opens doors that were closed before and provides a country with the academic and intellectual foundation to move forward.” This can only happen if the Institutions that offer courses, diplomas and degrees are controlled, monitored and certified by the Ministry of Education. Through the NQA this is strictly regulated.  One of the Educational Institutes that offers this accreditation is SBS Namibia and takes accreditation very seriously. Offering its students the reward of a recognised qualification after the hard work and sacrifice these students have invested into attaining their degrees. Of course there are other reputable organisations like University of Namibia and the Polytechnic of Namibia which do the same. These are not the organisations to be wary of.
In Namibia, like in other African nations the youth are always told that education is the key to a better way of life.  This is certainly the case, but only if the hard work and dedication which the students put in is rewarded with a qualification that is recognised, accepted and respected by the Ministry of Education and ultimately by potential employers. As so often, youngsters, aspiring professionals need to heed the saying ‘Buyer beware’ when it comes to education, much like in the rest of life. Simply enrolling at an institute and paying large sums of money for a course does not guarantee a recognised qualifications.   The advice therefore is, is do your homework and ensure that the academic institution, like SBS Namibia, is recognised by the Namibian Qualifications Authority (NQA).  This ensures that the students can be confident that the investment in their education will not lead to disappointment as has happened with some institutions that the Minister of Education referred to recently.