NCHE Validates Guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning in Higher Education
In todays latest NCHE News – The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) Malawi has successfully concluded a validation meeting for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Guidelines for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Malawi.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Quality Assurance Directors from various HEIs, and a representative from …… a professional body. The primary objective was to gather feedback before finalizing the document, ensuring that it meets the needs of the higher education sector.
The guidelines were developed by a dedicated task team chaired by Dr. Adamson Thengolose, with consultancy support from Dr. Orleans Mfune. Their work underscores NCHE’s commitment to inclusivity and thorough stakeholder engagement in shaping policies that impact higher education.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Japhet Bakuwa, NCHE’s Director of Standards and Quality Audits, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of collective input.
“Feel free to share your thoughts. We are here to discuss the RPL guidelines and ensure that we get feedback from all of you before taking the document forward,” he stated.
In her opening remarks, NCHE CEO, Dr. Ambumulire Phiri, highlighted the significance of RPL in recognizing diverse learning experiences.
“I appreciate that NCHE is finally concluding this year-long journey, during which the task force worked closely with our team to develop these guidelines for recognizing prior learning,” she said.
Dr. Phiri acknowledged the challenges of assessing knowledge gained outside conventional education systems, noting that RPL is about more than just formal qualifications.
“This is not just about acknowledging formal education or certificates. It is about recognizing the value of learning that takes place outside the traditional classroom. RPL is about empowerment, breaking barriers, opening doors, and giving individuals the opportunity to further their education.”
She further emphasized that RPL will enable the recognition of diverse learning platforms, ensuring that no one is left behind in the education system.
The development of the RPL Guidelines represents a major step in NCHE’s efforts to regulate and enhance higher education in Malawi. By implementing these guidelines, NCHE aims to promote inclusive and equitable access to education.
With the validation process now complete, NCHE will proceed with finalizing the document, reinforcing its commitment to making higher education more accessible and inclusive for all Malawians.