GNAB Invites Post-Secondary Educational Providers to Register, Highlighting the Advantages of Accreditation Compliance

The content originally appeared on: The Barnacle News

The Grenada National Accreditation Board (GNAB) is legally responsible for ensuring that the quality of all post-secondary programs offered in Grenada meets the standards set by the Board for any award. By adhering to GNAB’s requirements, institutions and program providers will be upholding the laws of the land, and helping to ensure that Grenada’s education system is of the highest quality, which will benefit learners, the workforce, and the wider Grenadian community. To fulfil this responsibility, GNAB urges all post-secondary providers to abide by the terms of the Accreditation Act, which include accreditation, initiated by the registration process, and in the case of foreign institutions, recognition.

A registered institution or program demonstrates that GNAB’s minimum standards for operation have been met. The registration process is initiated by submitting a Letter of Intent to GNAB.

After 3 years of being registered with GNAB, a provider can apply for accreditation. Providers must first seek accreditation in their home country before pursuing accreditation in other jurisdictions. If a program is conducted in collaboration with an accredited foreign organization or institution, that collaborating entity should seek recognition in Grenada. Transnational recognition validates foreign qualifications within Grenada’s education system. The recognition of qualifications obtained from foreign institutions ensures transferability and equivalency of qualifications across borders, fostering global mobility in education.

The Board strongly advises the public to exercise caution and prudence in making decisions regarding courses or programmes advertised by institutions or providers that are not registered, accredited or recognized by GNAB. Since these courses or programs have not been evaluated by GNAB, it may be difficult to ascertain the quality of the programme. It is also worth considering that such “qualifications” may not be recognized by employers locally and internationally, as they do not go through the rigorous scrutiny of courses and programs that quality assurance agencies typically provide.

There are several benefits of registering with GNAB:

Enhanced Credibility: Registration validates the quality and credibility of educational offerings, enhancing the reputation of programs and institutions. An external audit conducted during the review process ensures that basic standards are met before granting registration status.Quality Assurance: Registration and Accreditation ensure that programs and institutions meet international standards and best practices, reassuring students, employers, and other stakeholders.Public Recognition: Accredited programs and institutions are publicly recognized for their commitment to quality education, contributing to their visibility and reputation. GNAB publishes information in the Registry of Recognised Institutions and Programs that can be found on its website. Providers are also required to display their certificate for the period of their registration, accreditation or recognition at their main campus.

GNAB is inviting all post-secondary educational providers to register their short courses, programs, and institutions with GNAB, by doing so, providers not only maintain the integrity of Grenada’s educational system but also contribute to the promotion of quality education both locally and internationally.

If you require further information on the registration and accreditation processes, please feel free to contact GNAB via email at [email protected] or phone: 435-1970/416-8053.