Topmax College, a prominent institution in Nairobi's Embakasi area, has found itself at the center of a controversy that threatens to derail the dreams of hundreds of students. The college, owned by Jephiter Omeke Obiri, is accused of offering unaccredited courses in critical fields like mortuary science, theatre technology, and ICT, raising serious concerns about the validity and quality of the education provided.
Nelly Mutiwa and Rose Wambua, first-year students at Topmax College, were shocked to discover that their chosen courses were not accredited by the TVETA. Their visit to the accrediting body revealed that Topmax Training College only has 12 courses licensed for teaching, leaving their future uncertain.
Another student, speaking anonymously, expressed his concerns about the college's credibility. "When we joined, we were told that former students had been suspicious of the school," he said. "They apply for jobs and are told their certificates are fake. We have called meetings three times, but the director refused to come."
An official report from TVETA reveals that Topmax Training College has two registered institutions under TVET, one in Pipeline and another in Bee Centre, Umoja. While the Pipeline branch offers a wider range of courses, including Automotive Engineering, Building Technology, and Accountancy, the Bee Centre branch only offers Criminal Justice Management and Journalism and Media Studies.
Hundreds of students are enrolled in other, unaccredited courses, raising questions about the validity and quality of their education.
Jephiter Omeke Obiri, the director of Topmax College, dismissed the allegations, claiming that applications for accreditation have been made and they are awaiting TVETA's approval. He stated that the college offers four categories of programs: fully accredited, under interim accreditation, inspected awaiting full license, and those awaiting approval.
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However, TVETA's regulations require institutions to display both the certificate of registration and the license, and introducing courses without proper licensing is a violation. The allegations against Topmax College raise concerns about transparency and the quality of education provided. Students report difficulty obtaining transcripts, inconsistent teaching practices, and a lack of professional instructors. The college's brochure advertises 37 certificate and diploma courses, many examined by KNEC, but these courses are not listed under TVETA's accreditation.
Topmax College has also been accused of using a single license to operate two new institutions in Nakuru, contradicting TVETA's regulations. The college's poster claims that the Nakuru campus is registered under the Ministry of Education to offer education-related programs, but TVETA Director General Dr. Kipkirui Langat maintains that a new license is required for each location.
The affected students have reported the matter to the police, accusing the institution of obtaining money under false pretences and demanding a refund. The situation highlights the importance of thorough research and due diligence before enrolling in any educational institution.
The ongoing investigation by TVETA is crucial to determining the validity of the allegations against Topmax College. The outcome of the investigation will have significant implications for the future of the institution and the students who have been affected.
This situation underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in the education sector. Students and parents need to be vigilant and ensure that institutions they choose are accredited and provide quality education. Transparency and accountability are paramount to ensuring that students receive the education they deserve and their future prospects are not jeopardized.
