ZAQA Calls for Stronger Collaboration with Higher Learning Institutions to Ease Qualification Verification

LUSAKA — The Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) has called for stronger collaboration with higher learning institutions to improve the qualification verification process and reduce inconveniences faced by graduates.

ZAQA Director of Finance Mr. Ronald Chulu highlighted areas where the Authority and higher learning institutions can work together to make the verification of qualifications more efficient.

Mr. Chulu was speaking during a recent engagement with higher learning institutions on the Copperbelt, where stakeholders discussed ways of strengthening cooperation in the verification of academic qualifications.

Qualification verification is an important process used to confirm the authenticity of qualifications presented by graduates. According to ZAQA, the process involves checking whether an awarding institution has the legal mandate to issue a qualification, whether the qualification is approved, and whether it was genuinely issued to the holder.

ZAQA says cooperation from awarding institutions is particularly important because the verification process may take longer when institutions are slow to respond to requests for validation.

Currently, verification of local qualifications takes about 14 working days, while foreign qualifications can take about 60 working days, according to ZAQA.

The Authority has also introduced online systems to make the process more convenient. Applications for verification and evaluation can be submitted through the electronic Qualifications Management Information System (eQMIS), while graduates can obtain digital certificates showing the outcome of the verification or evaluation.

ZAQA has previously acknowledged that delays in qualification verification can result from factors including incomplete or inconsistent documentation, delayed responses from awarding institutions and the increasing volume of applications.

The Authority's engagement with higher learning institutions therefore provides an opportunity to strengthen information sharing and coordination between the institutions and ZAQA, particularly in responding to verification requests.

The collaboration is expected to contribute to a smoother process for graduates who require verified qualifications for employment, further education and other opportunities.

ZAQA is responsible for registration, verification and quality assurance of qualifications under Zambia's National Qualifications Framework, with the broader aim of ensuring that qualifications earned in Zambia meet recognised national and international standards.

The Authority continues to encourage institutions and other stakeholders to work together in strengthening the country's qualifications system.