05 Dec 2018

Assistant minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr Fidelis Molao says he is not aware that learning programmes offered at Gaborone Institute of Professional Studies (GIPS) Phakalane campus are not accredited by Botswana Qualification Authority (BQA).

Answering a question in Parliament, he said GIPS programmes are on approved status, which is a recognition status in the BQA system.

“This means that the learning programme could be offered, and learners would graduate with a recognised qualification,’’ he said.

Mr Molao noted that approved learning programme status was a legal status and it had no negative effect on learners that go through such learning programmes.

He said BQA quality assures using the same regulations as there were accredited in the new system as per the BQA Act no 24 of 2013, adding that on November 21, BQA carried out an audit at GIPS to ensure compliance.

He further stated that false advertising was an offence punishable as per BQA registration and accreditation   regulations of 2016, therefore BQA would investigate and take appropriate action. Mr Molao explained that learners who were enrolled in approved learning programmes do not need any assistance as those learning programmes are recognised.

Member of Parliament for Gaborone North, Mr Haskins Nkaigwa had asked the minister if he was aware that courses offered by GIPS Phakalane were not accredited by BQA.

He also asked what the effects would be on learners who would be graduating from the institution.

Further, the minister was asked if he was aware that upon application, learners were informed that the courses were fully accredited and how the ministry dealt with the false advertisement by GIPS. Ends