The Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) is calling on the public to verify information on qualifications to help protect the integrity of the education system.  

Speaking at the media engagement in Windhoek, NQA Acting CEO Harmoni Beukes highlighted qualifications fraud and the manipulation of evaluation reports as concerns.

"If you ever find any matter on qualifications, do not hesitate to contact the interview before you report on it. If you feel you're uncertain, you need more clarity to come through; we are here to provide it to them. We are here to share the information in order for you to then do your reporting.

Beukes says some individuals alter qualifications or evaluation reports to be at a high level.

She urged journalists to consult the NQA when reporting on qualifications-related matters, saying accurate information is important, as qualifications can directly affect people's employment and career opportunities. 

Beukes also highlighted the Authority's efforts to modernise its accreditation and evaluation processes, strengthen digital systems and improve the recognition of prior learning.

The NQA says it assesses institutions before accreditation to ensure they have qualified staff, adequate facilities and equipment, sustainable operations and proper assessment and certification systems. 

The NQA also cautioned students against enrolling at institutions that have only applied for accreditation, stressing that an application does not guarantee a positive outcome.