NO VERIFICATION, NO OPPORTUNITY — ZAQA WARNS

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Posted by admin on December 23, 2025 at 6:31 AM

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The Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) has cautioned citizens that using fake or unverified academic qualifications to secure jobs or enroll in colleges could cost them opportunities, as qualification verification is now mandatory.

Speaking at the End‑of‑Year Media Breakfast, ZAQA Director‑General Mercy Ngoma revealed that the authority had verified more than 59,000 qualifications this year alone, covering both local and foreign certificates.

She explained that the process ensures only genuine qualifications are recognised, protecting citizens from losing jobs or study chances. Nearly 2,000 qualifications were rejected after checks showed they were from unaccredited institutions, linked to unapproved programmes, or outright fraudulent.

“Qualification verification is now mandatory for anyone seeking a job or admission to a tertiary institution. We encourage everyone to verify their papers early to avoid delays or missing out on opportunities,” Ngoma said.

Ngoma added that ZAQA had registered 872 qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), including 298 new ones this year. Registration ensures programmes meet quality standards and are recognised both nationally and internationally.

However, she warned that many qualifications currently offered in Zambia are still not registered, which could limit their recognition abroad. Learners were advised to always check that their programmes are listed on the NQF before enrolling.

On delays in verification, Ngoma explained that the process can be slowed by incomplete documents, the growing number of applications, slow confirmations from foreign or closed institutions, and careful fraud checks.

She assured the public that ZAQA is improving its systems, increasing staff, and developing a new digital platform to make verification faster and more efficient.