The Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) is continuing its registration drive which seeks to have all Post Secondary and Tertiary Level Institutions (TLIs) adhere to its deadline of July 8th, 2009. As the governing body for the assurance of quality post secondary and tertiary education in Trinidad and Tobago, ACTT has to date granted registration status to 46 institutions across the country. According to Act No 16 of 2004, institutions not registered by July 8th, 2009 will cease to have legal authorisation to operate in Trinidad and Tobago and can be fined TT $20,000.00 as well as TT $500.00 daily thereafter and/or be mandated to cease operations.
It is advised that all post secondary and TLIs which are yet to seek registration from ACTT do so immediately so they can have access to related benefits. These include support from ACTT to introduce and develop programmes, gain local, regional and international recognition for their institution, and the enhancement of the institution’s image as it delivers quality education to students that is acknowledged in academic and professional forums.
It is ACTT’s view that higher education institutions hold the key to quality education, which by extension plays an important role in driving the economy through the production of new knowledge and the development of a competent, skilled and productive workforce. Noting the importance of the role of these institutions and wishing to encourage them to apply for registration, Michael Bradshaw – Ag. Executive Director (ACTT) stated that “There is still time to apply for registration and all institutions must do their part to contribute to the enhancement of the tertiary education system in keeping with the vision of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to achieve developed nation status by the year 2020.” Having met the local requirements for registration and subsequently accreditation, these institutions can ensure their graduates a quality education that will be acknowledged in academic and professional forums.
ACTT, established by Act No. 16 of 2004, mandates that all post secondary and tertiary institutions must be registered with the Council. It is the principal body in Trinidad and Tobago for conducting and advising on the accreditation and recognition of post secondary and tertiary educational training institutions, programmes and awards, whether local or foreign. The Council’s role is to safeguard the interests of students and the public and to improve the quality of education and training in Trinidad and Tobago.