Namibia Qualifications Authority NQA

Overview

The Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) is a statutory body established under the Namibia Qualifications Authority Act No. 29 of 1996. It serves as the national regulator for education and training in Namibia, tasked with ensuring that qualifications meet established quality standards and are appropriately recognized within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The NQA's core responsibilities include accrediting training providers, evaluating qualifications, and managing the NQF to facilitate the development of a skilled and competent workforce.

Historical and Legal Framework

Established through Cabinet decisions in 1994, the NQA was formally constituted by the Namibia Qualifications Authority Act No. 29 of 1996. The Act mandates the NQA to administer the National Qualifications Framework, set occupational and curriculum standards, and serve as a forum for matters pertaining to qualifications. The NQA operates as a public enterprise, ensuring that education and training in Namibia align with national development goals and international standards.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

The NQA's mission is to establish a national framework that assures quality qualifications, empowering individuals and contributing to national development. Its vision is to be a globally reputable qualifications authority that empowers people in Namibia. The NQA's objectives in higher education include:

• Enhancing the quality and relevance of qualifications.
• Facilitating access to education and training opportunities.
• Supporting lifelong learning and skills development.
• Promoting the recognition of qualifications both nationally and internationally.

These objectives align with Namibia's broader educational and economic goals, aiming to produce a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic labor market.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The NQA is governed by a Council comprising 29 members appointed by the Minister of Education in consultation with the Minister of Labour. This governance structure ensures a broad representation of stakeholders, including government, education providers, and industry. The NQA operates independently, with its own legal status and financial autonomy, enabling it to effectively oversee the quality assurance processes within Namibia's education and training sectors.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

The NQA plays a pivotal role in accrediting training providers and evaluating qualifications to ensure they meet established quality standards. The accreditation process involves assessing the relevance and sustainability of goals and objectives, staff qualifications, research commitment, and achievement of goals. Site visits are conducted to gather evidence that institutions offer a quality learning environment. Additionally, the NQA evaluates qualifications obtained from other countries or prior to the establishment of the NQF to determine their significance and equivalence within Namibia's education system.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The NQA actively engages in international cooperation to align Namibia's qualifications system with global standards. It represents Namibia on the SADC Technical Committee on Certification and Accreditation, participating in regional efforts to harmonize qualifications frameworks and promote mutual recognition of qualifications. The NQA also collaborates with various international organizations to stay abreast of developments in education and training, ensuring that Namibia's qualifications remain relevant and competitive on the global stage.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The NQA's initiatives have a significant impact on higher education in Namibia. By ensuring that qualifications meet quality standards and are appropriately recognized, the NQA contributes to the credibility and competitiveness of Namibian graduates in both national and international labor markets. The NQA's efforts to promote lifelong learning and skills development support the continuous improvement of the education system, aligning it with the evolving needs of the economy and society.

Summary

The Namibia Qualifications Authority is a key institution in the country's education and training landscape. Through its governance, accreditation, and evaluation functions, the NQA ensures that qualifications are of high quality and meet the needs of learners and employers. Its commitment to international cooperation and alignment with global standards further enhances the value of Namibian qualifications, supporting the development of a skilled and competent workforce.

FAQs

1. What is the Namibia Qualifications Authority?

   The NQA is a statutory body responsible for ensuring the quality and recognition of qualifications in Namibia, operating under the Namibia Qualifications Authority Act No. 29 of 1996.

2. What are the main functions of the NQA?

   The NQA accredits training providers, evaluates qualifications, and manages the National Qualifications Framework to ensure quality education and training in Namibia.

3. How does the NQA contribute to higher education?

   By setting quality standards, accrediting institutions, and evaluating qualifications, the NQA enhances the credibility and relevance of higher education in Namibia.

4. Is the NQA involved in international collaborations?

   Yes, the NQA engages in international cooperation, representing Namibia on regional committees and collaborating with global organizations to align qualifications standards.

5. How can I apply for qualification evaluation through the NQA?

   Applications for qualification evaluation can be submitted through the NQA's official website, where guidelines and forms are provided for prospective applicants.

Organization Name

Namibia Qualifications Authority

Acronym

NQA

Year of Establishment

1/01/1996

Control Type

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Private Bag 13247
Windhoek
9000 Khomas Region Namibia

Phone

+264 (61) 384 100

Fax

+264 (61) 384 114

List of Namibian universities supervised by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA):

• 1‑Care Health Training Institute CC
• Academy of Banking Namibia CC
• Africa Institutional Management Services CC (AIMS)
• African Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre CC
• African Leadership Institute (ALI)
• Alba Chipamba Training Centre CC
• Anistemi College and Training Centre
• Atlantic Training Institution CC
• Botho University (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd
• Brilliant Training College previously known as Katutura Community College (KCC)
• Business School of Excellence (BSE)
• Clocknet Vocational Training Centre (Pty) Ltd
• College of the Arts (COTA)
• DAPP (Development Aid from People to People) Vocational Training School
• Eenhana Vocational Training Centre (EVTC)
• Eureka Medical Institute Services CC
• Exedin Training Academy CC
• Frameworks Africa Consultancy CC
• Gobabis Vocational Training Centre (GVTC)
• Goldstone Software Engineering Institute CC
• Headstart Montessori Teacher Training College
• Heritage Management Institute CC
• Homestead Skills and Technical Education Academy (HSTEA)
• Insurance Institute of Namibia
• Institute for Open Learning (IOL)
• International Training College - Lingua
• International University of Management (IUM)
• Kambaku Hospitality College CC
• Katutura Youth Enterprise Centre (KAYEC) Trust
• Labour Resource and Research Institute (LaRRI)
• Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (Pty) Ltd
• Mapac Technical Training Institute CC
• Marco Mpollo Vocational Training Centre CC (MMVTC)
• Namibia Command and Staff College (NCSC)
• Namibia Community Skills Development Foundation (COSDEF)
• Namibia Defence Force Training Establishment Vocational Training Centre (NDF TE VTC)
• Namibian Academy for Tourism and Hospitality (NATH)
• Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL)
• Namibian Correctional Service (NCS)
• Namibian Evangelical Theological Seminary (NETS)
• Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT)
• Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM)
• Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute (NAMFI)
• Nampost Business School
• NamVoc Vocational Institute (Namvoc)
• Nakayale Vocational Training Centre
• National Institute of Technology (NIT) (Pty) Ltd
• National Youth Service (NYS)
• NILE Vocational Training Centre CC
• Ngato Vocational Training Centre CC
• Niche Training Academy CC
• Okakarara Vocational Training Centre
• Ongha Vocational Training Centre CC
• Philippi Trust Namibia
• PMT Health Care Institution CC
• RIK Technical College CC
• River Higher Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd
• Rundu Vocational Training Centre (RVTC)
• Shadonai Beauty School CC
• Shalom Vocational Training Centre CC
• Shiramed Medical Institute (Pty) Ltd
• Siya Institute of Vocational Education and Training CC
• St. Charles Lwanga Major Seminary
• Sunshine Private College (Pty) Ltd
• Triumphant College CC
• Tulipohamba Training and Assessment Institute (Pty) Ltd (TTAI)
• United Lutheran Theological Seminary (ULTS)-Paulinum
• Valombola Vocational Training Centre
• Welwitchia University (Pty) Ltd
• Windhoek Hospitality and Culinary College (Pty) Ltd (WHCC)
• Windhoek Vocational Training Centre (WVTC)
• Wolwedans Foundation Trust
• Zambezi Vocational Training Centre (ZVTC)

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

Namibia Qualifications Authority's Wikipedia article

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