Clique College alleged of running course not MQA-approved

Clique College has come under scrutiny over allegations of running a course without the approval of Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA).

A student from college, while speaking with ‘Sun’ said Clique was running a Bachelor of Business Management course without said approval. The student also confirmed that though the course began as a fully online one, it later transitioned into a blended model.

While four batches are already enrolled for the course, the student added the college’s abrupt change blended mode option had put students in a difficult spot.

“Majority of these students are joining online from their home islands, so visiting Male’ City for examinations is not easy,” the student added.

After the students complained about the course to MQA, it was discovered that it was not approved by the authority.

Most of the students have enrolled in the course through government-issued Free Degree scheme, with some paying their course fees in full. The student also confirmed some of the students are on their final year.

The college has not responded to the student complaints, while majority of these students are now trying to shift to different colleges.

“Some of these students are on their third year and final year, but other colleges have said these students will have to restart if they join these institutions since Clique’s course is not MQA-approved,” the student complained.

‘Sun’ media’s attempt to get Clique College’s comment on the matter was met with failure.

MQA Chief Executive Mariyam Fizana Rasheed, while speaking with ‘Sun’ said they received complaints Clique was running a course without acquiring MQA approval. She added the authority was now trying to clarify the matter.

“We can only take measures after assessing the situation thoroughly,” she said.

MQA on Wednesday cautioned prospective students to confirm the courses are MQA-approved or not before they enroll in them.