The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) has scored a major achievement after being registered by the Barbados Accreditation Council (BAC).
This is the first step in the Wildey, St Michael institute becoming an accredited institution.
The registration, which was approved on April 2 this year, lasts for a period of one year, after which the SJPI must re-apply to maintain this status. To become registered, institutions must meet the requirements established by the BAC and pay the requisite fees.
The registration of the SJPI, which has been in operation for 49 years, has a number of benefits, including providing national, regional and international recognition of quality, accountability and public trust; lending prestige to the institution; highlighting its strengths and capabilities; aiding with student recruitment efforts; and providing credibility by enhancing the image of the institution.
Acting Principal of the SJPI, Ian Drakes, thanked staff for their hard work thus far, towards the ultimate goal of achieving accreditation.
“It is important that I first thank our staff and our stakeholders for their tremendous support during this process. We could not have done it without them. Indeed, it has been a monumental task to date but the journey has only just begun.
“Our focus is now on gaining Institutional Accreditation and as Principal, I am very excited and enthusiastic about this next stage. I am also aware that the Board of Management, staff, and students are also very excited and I am confident that the pursuit of accreditation would greatly advance the re-branding and internationalisation of the SJPI,” he stated.
Students are also expected to benefit from the SJPI’s registration status. It ensures that their qualifications are recognised, as well as transferrable locally, regionally and internationally. Additionally, once the institution is accredited, it provides assurance that persons receive value for money for the time spent on a programme of study. It also facilitates the transfer of learner credits from one institution to another and provides recognition for entry into higher education, professions and businesses. (BGIS)
