The Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) has cautioned that using unverified or fraudulent academic qualifications to secure jobs or gain college admission can lead to missed opportunities, as verification is now mandatory.
Speaking at an End-of-Year Media Breakfast, ZAQA Director-General Mercy Ngoma disclosed that the authority verified more than 59,000 qualifications this year—both local and foreign. She noted that nearly 2,000 qualifications were rejected after checks revealed they were from unaccredited institutions, linked to unapproved programs, or were outright forgeries.
“Qualification verification is now mandatory for anyone seeking a job or admission to a tertiary institution,” Ngoma stated. “We encourage everyone to verify their papers early to avoid delays or missing out on opportunities.”
Ngoma explained that the verification process ensures only genuine qualifications are recognized, protecting citizens from potential job loss or denied educational opportunities. She added that ZAQA registered 872 qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) this year, including 298 new ones, to maintain quality standards and enhance national and international recognition.
However, she warned that many qualifications offered in Zambia remain unregistered, which could limit their recognition abroad. She advised students to verify that their chosen programs are registered on the NQF.
On delays in the verification process, Ngoma attributed them to a high volume of applications, incomplete submissions, slow responses from foreign or closed institutions, and necessary fraud checks. She assured the public that ZAQA is improving its systems, increasing staff, and developing a new digital platform to expedite the process.
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