The University of Namibia (UNAM) management has dismissed a report in a local newspaper, which states that some of its programmes have failed the accreditation process.
The Pro Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Frednard Gideon says UNAM had put out 83 programmes for accreditation to the National Council of Higher Education.
He explains that the council approved 63 programmes while advising some recommendations for the remaining 17 programmes.
Gideon says the process of accreditation is ongoing, therefore, it is misleading to state that the 17 programmes that are still to be accredited have not made the cut.
Professor Gideon was quoted as: "The university has in the meantime, reviewed most of the 17 programmes taking the comments of the review panel into account, and has resubmitted them to the NHCE in December 2022 for consideration, if approved by the NHCE, the university will offer these programmes in 2024, it is important to emphasize that accreditation is not a test, but an assessment and validation process culminating in passing judgement on each programme"
Bachelor of Agricultural Economics NQF level 7, Diploma in Accounting NQF Level 6 Post Graduate Diploma in Internal Audit NQF level 6, and Diploma in Risk and Security Management NQF level 6 are but some of the programmes that have not been accredited.
The assessment by the council before approval focuses on the aims and objectives of the curriculum, whether the institution has the relevant facilities and support systems in order to enhance teaching and learning and sufficient financial resources among others.
Professor Gideon says the university values the recommendations by the council and will never compromise on delivering quality education.
He ended by saying that the transformed curriculum aims to enhance graduate employability and to instil in graduates skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, ethical and moral leadership, innovative and entrepreneurial mindsets and respect for and appreciation of cultural diversities.