Zambia Qualification Authority (ZAQA) Director General, Mercy Ngoma says the revised Act No. 8 of 2024 prohibits awarding bodies from awarding a qualification that has not been registered with ZAQA.
She says according to Section 21 (2) of the Act, specifies that an awarding body that contravenes this provision, is liable, on conviction to fine not exceeding k200,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka today, Mrs. Ngoma said the provision ensures that all qualifications offered by awarding bodies in Zambia are recognized and comply with national standards.
“Registering qualifications with ZAQA guarantees stakeholders that the qualifications have been quality assured and meet the minimum standards set by the Authority,” said Mrs. Ngoma
Mrs. Ngoma said the clause will also protect learners by ensuring the mobility and recognition of the qualifications they receive.
She also highlighted that the Authority will only register a qualification for a learning programme that has been accredited by relevant appropriate authority to allow appropriate authorities to perform their due diligence and quality assurances process, thereby, enhancing the recognition of the qualifications internationally.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Ngoma said Section 29 of the ZAQA Act No. 8 also prohibits the employment of individuals without verifying their qualifications.
She has emphasized that the new Act also requires awarding bodies to submit learner achievement records to the Authority within 90 days of awarding the qualification, failure to comply, constitutes an offence.
By Margaret Mwanza
