The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) has fined Avid College after determining that the institution issued certificates to students enrolled in programmes that had not been officially registered with the authority.
In a statement, MQA said it had previously taken regulatory action against Avid College earlier this year after discovering that certificates had been awarded to Sri Lankan students through unregistered programmes. The authority had issued a warning, implemented corrective measures, and publicly disclosed the violation.
However, MQA said it later found that the college continued issuing certificates to students enrolled in unregistered programmes despite the earlier action. As a result, and following recommendations from its Advisory Board, the authority imposed a financial penalty as a second enforcement measure.
According to MQA, operating programmes in violation of accreditation regulations and rules governing the delivery of accredited programmes outside the Maldives is prohibited. The authority warned that such practices could undermine international confidence in the Maldivian higher education sector and raise concerns about the credibility and recognition of qualifications issued by local institutions.
MQA further urged students and education providers to verify whether academic programmes have received official approval before enrolling or offering courses. The authority advised the public to use its website to confirm the accreditation status of programmes before participation.
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