As thousands of Namibian learners prepare to transition from high school to university, the excitement of choosing an academic path is often accompanied by the risk of falling into traps set by unaccredited and questionable institutions.
Over the past few years, there has been a worrying rise in mushrooming colleges and so-called universities that operate without proper accreditation, offering qualifications that are ultimately worthless in the job market. It is crucial that learners, parents, and guardians become vigilant and informed to avoid wasting time, money, and dreams on institutions run by opportunistic scammers.
Accreditation is not just a bureaucratic formality, it is a validation process that ensures an institution meets minimum standards of quality, credibility, and academic integrity. In Namibia, the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) is the regulatory body responsible for accrediting qualifications and institutions. An academic programme that is not accredited by the NQA may not be recognised by employers, professional bodies, or other universities. This means that a learner could spend three or four years studying, only to find that their qualification holds no value.
Sadly, many unaccredited institutions target desperate students and uninformed parents by offering cheap fees, fast-tracked qualifications, and flexible enrolment terms. These are red flags. The promise of a degree in a short period, often without strict entry requirements or structured academic work, should raise immediate concern. Education is a long-term investment, and quality cannot be rushed or bought cheaply without consequences.
The consequences of attending an unaccredited institution are severe. Graduates from these institutions are often rejected when applying for jobs, unable to register with professional councils, and barred from pursuing postgraduate studies. In some cases, employers only discover the lack of accreditation during job verification processes, leaving the graduate humiliated and unemployable. Parents who make sacrifices to fund their children’s education often suffer deep financial and emotional loss when they realise the certificate is meaningless.
To prevent this, parents and learners must do their homework before submitting any application or paying fees. Start by checking the official NQA register of accredited institutions and qualifications, which is available on their website. If a university or college is not listed, it is wise to stay away, no matter how appealing their marketing may seem. In addition, institutions must be registered with the Namibia Higher Education Council (NHEC) and should be transparent about their programmes, faculty, and partnerships.
Parents should also take an active role in the decision-making process. Attending career guidance sessions, talking to school counselors, and verifying information directly with the NQA can prevent costly mistakes. If something feels rushed, unclear, or too good to be true, it probably is. Ask tough questions and demand proof of accreditation. Reputable universities are properly accredited and offer a wide range of credible programmes across the country.
The dream of higher education must not become a nightmare because of poor decisions and lack of awareness. As learners prepare for their future, the onus is on parents, guardians, and community leaders to ensure that their children enroll in recognised, quality institutions. Let us safeguard our national investment in education by steering clear of scammers and empowering our young people with qualifications that truly open doors.
-Nam Careers Bulletin
Junias Erasmus works in the Financial Sector. He is a Management Scientist and Operational Researcher, a Strategic Scholar & a Motivational Speaker. This article is written in his personal capacity. For inquiries, contact him at Junias99@gmail.com
