Tensions flared at the Atlantic Training Institute (ATI) as a group of students, led by the National African Students Association (Nasa), staged a protest against the institution on Monday morning.
The students have accused ATI of offering an auxiliary nursing programme which has not been accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority and is not recognised by the Health Professions Councils of Namibia.
“Students who have completed the programme have not been issued certificates, leaving them without academic proof of their study and achievements,” says Nasa chairperson for the Khomas region Mathias Isak.
ATI’s co-founder and director, Nevin Mureko, however, says they are trying to resolve the situation with the students by refunding some of them as well as engaging the council.
“Yes, we registered students for auxiliary nursing. But midway through the year, the council informed us that the course would have to be discontinued. We found this unfair, especially since many of our students use auxiliary nursing as a stepping stone towards enrolling in nursing.”
According to ATI, some of its students have previously completed the auxiliary course and successfully registered with the council.
“Last year, we had a group doing auxiliary nursing. Some of those students were registered. But then, without sufficient consultation or formal public communication, we were told the course must stop,” says Mureko.
ATI further claims that the nursing council failed to conduct nationwide consultations or issue widespread public notices, such as in newspaper advertisements, to inform institutions and prospective students ahead of the intake.
“We have students from as far as the north. They’ve paid rent, transport, and tuition. It’s unfair to change the rules midstream. We’re asking the council to at least accept the last group of students already enrolled before fully implementing the discontinuation,” ATI adds.
The students, however, slammed ATI with an ultimatum for an immediate refund and a written apology for the emotional and financial stress incurred.
They also want the programme to be discontinued until full accreditation is attained.
“We are not merely consumers of education; we are the future of Namibia’s healthcare system. Our aspirations, money, time and dignity have been exploited. It is not enough to acknowledge an error. There must be restitution, reform and accountability,” says Isak.
*This article has been amended
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