In pursuance of its quality audit mechanism in ensuring standard and quality training in institutions and colleges in the country, the National Training Authority (NTA), acting on its powers, has temporarily closed down three more training institutions, thus bringing the number to five (5), within a space of two weeks.

According to reports from the Authority, Humanity First The Gambia, located in Serrekunda; YWCA St Martha’s Skills Training Centre in Fajikunda; and the Cinchips Computer and Secretariat Institute at 70 Kombo Sillah Drive, have been temporarily closed until such a time that the NTA is satisfied that reasonable steps have been taken to improve on standards.

The report went on to say that the move was a follow-up to the approval and in line with the Authority’s continuous assessment procedures to ensure compliance, as quality audit visits are conducted as a matter of routine on the provider, as well as subsequent inspection of trainers’ license. The report further indicated that any institution assessed and found with system deficiencies or engaging unlicensed trainers are either served with temporary closure notice or closed down permanently.

It further went on to say that NTA will continue to carry out vigorous quality audit visits on institutions with a view to ensuring proper training aids, adequate and decent rooms and, above all, the provision of quality course delivery programmes. It also firmly warned that any institution, public or private, that fails to meet the requirements and standards set by the Authority, which are geared towards achieving quality service delivery, shall face the consequences.  The report also seeks to remind all trainers without valid licenses, or those whose applications for registration have been rejected that they face punitive measures.
It can be recalled that the National Training Authority recently announced a temporal closure of five schools in the Greater Banjul Area.