A group of Namibian students who were enrolled at an alleged affiliate of the Midlands State University of Zimbabwe have not received their certificates, and are being sent from pillar to post. 

The Windhoek-based Amadi University College also turned out not to be accredited. 

Salomo Ndeshimona, a former student, said he was informed that he graduated last year in March. However, he has not received his qualification to date.

“It has now been a year, and we still have not received anything. We apparently graduated, but to this very day, we have not received our degrees. Most of us have paid the institution in full, some including graduation regalia, which we never received,” he stated, adding that several enquiries with the administrator have gone unanswered as she keeps sending them to the Zimbabwean institution.

He said they also enquired at MSU in Zimbabwe,  but were referred back to the Namibian branch to have their issues resolved here.

“Yet, in Namibia, they keep referring us to MSU, citing that they are the ones taking forever to print the certificates or get them signed. We feel something is wrong here, and it’s not possible for a big university like MSU to take almost a year to print or sign a certificate,” he charged.

Ndeshimona said their graduation was set to take place last July, but was later postponed to November. However, they were only sent emails with lists of the graduates.

He completed his Master’s degree in Curriculum Studies, and planned to pursue his PhD this year. But because of the delay, he missed out on study opportunities.

“I have since lost opportunities as many institutions have closed admission, and we have no transcripts. They seemed hell-bent on us paying for the courses, yet when we need our certificates now, they are ignoring us. Some of us have lost out on applying for lecturer positions at higher institutions of learning; we lost our salary adjustments, as well as promotions at work,” said the concerned student.

He also cried foul that he has paid close to N$70 000 for his tuition.

 When queried on the status of this college, the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA)’s spokesperson Absalom Absalom said Amadi University College is not accredited locally, nor is it recognised in its country of origin.

“We again advise prospective students to be vigilant of bogus institutions, and to make sure that they verify the accreditation status of both the institution and the course they wish to pursue before enrolment. Some of the consequences of registering with these universities/colleges are such that you will lose your money, your valuable time and ultimately your qualification as it cannot be used for any specific purpose, be it for employment or studies,” he warned.

He advised students to always consult the NQA before they enrol at any unrecognised institutions.

“We offer these services for free, and students can simply send us an email or just call us,” he said.

The NQA website (www.namqa.org) also provides a comprehensive list of all recognised Namibian institutions, and the courses they are authorised to provide to prospective students. 

Attempts to get comment from the administrator, Edvirge Shekuhungama, were futile.

- ashikololo@nepc.com.na