Education regulators have issued a nationwide alert after discovering that some training institutions in Malawi are illegally offering unrecognised qualifications, putting thousands of students at risk of graduating with certificates that have no official value.
The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (Teveta) say a joint inspection has uncovered colleges operating without registration and running unapproved programmes.
The regulators say some institutions are also facilitating awards from foreign bodies that are not accredited or recognized in Malawi.
In a joint press release, NCHE and Teveta specifically named Business Management Education Centre (BMEC) of the United Kingdom and the American Institute of Extended Studies (AEIS) of the United States among the awarding bodies whose qualifications are not recognised locally.
The two bodies described the development as unlawful and harmful to students who may believe they are earning valid international certificates.
They warned that such qualifications cannot be accepted for academic, professional, or official purposes in Malawi.
The regulators stated that the malpractice violates national laws governing higher education and technical training, and will result in legal and administrative penalties.
NCHE and Teveta have since urged prospective students, parents, and guardians to verify both institutional registration and programme accreditation before enrolling.
They stressed that failure to check with regulators may lead to enrolling in invalid programmes and losing money and time.
The statement says joint enforcement inspections will now be intensified to identify and act against unregistered colleges and unapproved courses.
Institutions found operating illegally or offering unrecognised programmes risk immediate closure and possible prosecution.
The statement was jointly issued by NCHE chief executive officer Ambumulire N. Itimu Phiri and Teveta Executive Director Elwin Chiwembu Sichiola.
