Avid College has categorically denied allegations of conducting academic programmes in Sri Lanka in violation of Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) accreditation, and is now contemplating legal action to defend its reputation.

The dispute began when the MQA released a public advisory alleging that Avid had offered accredited programmes overseas without prior authorisation. Avid swiftly refuted the claims, clarifying that certain courses were delivered via partner institutions in Sri Lanka with full approval from the country’s University Grants Commission (UGC), which formally recognises Avid.

Avid maintains that regulations for delivering MQA-accredited programmes abroad were only gazetted on September 10, and promptly communicated to partner institutions. The college asserts it kept MQA informed and sought clarification on partnerships predating the new guidelines.

The college has accused MQA of disseminating a press release “in a misleading manner” with the intent to damage Avid’s standing. The statement also alleges that MQA is contemplating legal measures against Avid based on the new regulatory framework.

MQA, for its part, asserts that it has consistently advised Avid since August 2024 not to conduct accredited programmes abroad without explicit written approval. The authority claims that, despite over a year of warnings, Avid persisted—submitting documents that, according to MQA, confirm unauthorised delivery of courses.

MQA has warned that such actions could inflict “irreparable damage” on the international credibility of Maldivian higher education and erode trust in the nation’s accreditation standards.

In February of the previous year, MQA issued a directive prohibiting the conduct of accredited programmes abroad without prior approval, mandating explicit permission for any such offerings under the Rules on Conducting Programs Abroad.

As an initial measure, MQA has formally cautioned Avid, with potential fines for continued non-compliance ranging from MVR 8,000 to MVR 10,000.

This is not the first instance of scrutiny for Avid, which previously faced allegations of advertising courses in violation of MQA accreditation in 2022. The college, however, maintains it has never offered a course lacking MQA accreditation.