REG OF INST & ACCR OF PROG

PUBLIC NOTICE ON REGISTRATION OF INSTITUTIONS AND ACCREDITATION OF PROGRAMMES

At its Third Quarter Meeting held on Saturday, 25th October 2025, the Governing Council of the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA) noted with concern the continued violations of registration and accreditation requirements by some institutions.

The Authority, therefore, wishes to remind all higher education and training providers, as well as the general public, that no person or institution is permitted to operate or offer any programme of study in The Gambia without prior registration and accreditation, in accordance with the NAQAA Act, 2021 and its accompanying regulations.

NAQAA is mandated to safeguard the quality, relevance, and credibility of higher education and training in The Gambia. This mandate includes ensuring that all institutions meet the required standards before commencing operations, and that all programmes undergo accreditation to guarantee that students receive education and training of acceptable quality and national recognition.

1. For Institutions

All institutions operating or intending to operate as providers of higher or tertiary education and training must:

·      Apply for Institutional Registration before enrolling students; and

·      Obtain Programme Accreditation for each course of study prior to delivery.

Institutions found operating without registration or without programme accreditation will face the following sanctions:

·      Immediate suspension of unaccredited programmes;

·      Administrative fines and penalties as prescribed by NAQAA regulations;

·      Freezing of new admissions or programmes until compliance is achieved; and

1

·      Closure or withdrawal of registration in cases of persistent non-compliance.

2. For Students and Parents

Prospective students and their parents or guardians are strongly advised to:

·      Verify from their institutions, or directly from NAQAA, whether the institution is duly registered and whether the intended programme of study is accredited;

·      Refrain from enrolling in any unregistered institution or unaccredited programme.

Students who enrol in unaccredited programmes do so at their own risk, as NAQAA will not recognize or validate certificates issued from such programmes. Consequently, certificates may be withheld, and graduates may face difficulties with employment, professional recognition, or further studies within and outside The Gambia.

3. Public Verification

The public is encouraged to consult the NAQAA Register of Recognized Institutions and Accredited Programmes, available on the Authority’s website and official social media platforms, or to contact the NAQAA office directly for verification and guidance.

NAQAA remains committed to upholding quality standards in higher education and training, protecting students’ interests, and promoting public confidence in qualifications obtained in The Gambia.