Rwanda's Higher Education Council (HEC) has withdrawn all academic equivalences issued to graduates from Atlantic International University based in the United States of America.
In a statement released on Twitter on Monday, HEC said that; "After thorough analysis and verifications regarding the accreditation status of Atlantic International University, HEC found that this institution is not accredited in the United States of America by the USA agency in charge of accreditation of institutions of higher learning.”
It further explained that even the claimed accrediting agency for Atlantic International University which is Accreditation Service for International colleges (ASIC) is not a government agency in charge of accreditation of institutions of higher learning in the United Kingdom (UK) or any other country.
"Although some graduates managed to get equivalences of their degrees issued by Atlantic International University, based on the above information, all equivalences issued to graduates from this university were withdrawn,” reads the announcement.
HEC has thus advised all Rwandans wishing to further their studies to always be more cautious while registering with Higher Learning Institutions especially those claiming to offer their teaching online.
The announcement triggered mixed reactions on twitter.
"If possible you should help those who studied and graduated from this university because they registered there as they knew equivalences are often issued to graduates. We also suggest you list all accredited universities globally and display them on websites or links showing all accredited universities,” said one called Vedaste Nsekarije.
Another Twitter user asked HEC to explain why it has been issuing equivalences yet the university was not accredited.
" What will happen to those who had gotten equivalences and are now in job positions despite their equivalences being said to be withdrawn?.” the asked.
"Our reply is keen and clear. The organ in charge remains keen on broader guidances to effect the same for the ongoing investigation bears more inclusive facts to effect the matter,” Rose Mukankomeje The Director General of Rwanda HEC told The New Times when asked for clarification, how they discovered the accreditation status and a number of graduates who had received equivalences.
However, the official didn’t disclose the number of graduates whose equivalences could be cancelled and why they had received equivalences despite having degrees from an unaccredited university.
The announcement follows last week’s arrest by Rwanda Investigation Bureau of Igabe Egide over allegations of using fake university degrees (PhD) to find a job at various universities operating in Rwanda.
His alleged fabricated degrees state that he completed his PhD at Atlantic International University in the United States.
In response, Atlantic International University confirmed that Egide Igabe is a graduate of their PhD programme. "This fact is verified by the permanent records held at AIU’s Office of the Registrar.”