Liberian accreditation for sale, $50,000 + $20,000/year

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by John Bear, Feb 2, 2003.

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  1. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    St. Regis and a few others have been claiming accreditation from Liberia. Here's the rather amazing letter passed on to me by someone involved with a legal unaccredited school:
    --------------------------------------------------

    Dear Dr. ----

    The U.S. Office of Education is not the agency that gives, (or needs to give) recognition of your accreditation. However, your school would benefit greatly if foreign evaluation agencies that are recognized by the U.S. Office of Education will attest that CCWU degrees are equivalent to US regionally accredited degrees.

    This can only be done if the school accreditation meets the requirements of the U.S. Office of Education, one of which is that the university hold the recognition of its homeland's Education Minister. NBOE can secure for your school full government recognition that can be verified through the M.O.E. office or WA DC Embassy.

    The following may be of help. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to ask.

    Why do we need government accreditation?
    Every college or university needs accreditation from either a US approved accreditor, OR a government Education Minister. "Unknown", "unrecognized, "non-US Dept of Ed approved" or other "dubious" accreditations are actually damaging to the reputation of the school and should never be used. The Internet makes this information available to potential students and using non-credible accreditation agencies results in a negative image.

    Why should "private" or "unknown" or "self created" accreditation agencies be avoided?
    No approved evaluation agency will attest that any degree earned at an institution that is not fully recognized by an Education Minister is equivalent to US RA degree, When degree holders require an evaluation of their degree to prove equivalency, they will turned down if their degree is from a school without government recognition. These types of “accreditations” are harmful to your schools reputation and destroy credibility.

    Why do I need NBOE to gain this recognition?
    NBOE is fully accredited and recognized by the Education Ministry of Liberia as the only legal, valid and authentic accrediting agency, operating under the authority and in conformity with all current laws and regulations ruling educational competency certification of the Republic of Liberia, and meets all legal qualifications to establish virtual universities to grant college level degrees.

    ONLY through NBOE channels, can you be guaranteed the acceptance of your university for full recognition by the Minister of Education.

    But, what if our university wishes to be accredited or recognized in another country?
    Liberia's educational laws allow for great flexibility, making it an ideal homeland for online and nontraditional programs. However, some universities wish to have recognition of other countries. Once your university has been fully recognized by our Minister of Education, gaining additional recognitions through other countries becomes much easier.

    NBOE is in the process of adding additional countries, but only existing accredited members will be allowed access to these in the future.

    What is the fee for accreditations?
    Your school will receive a Certificate of Recognition directly from the Minster of Education of the Republic of Liberia, valid for two years. The fee to NBOE covers ALL costs involved and comes with a guaranty of acceptance. The fee is $50,000 US. (Annual renewal: $20,000 per year)

    Once your university can legitimately claim full government recognized and accreditation your school will enjoy greater strength and credibility, and the value and the demand for your degrees will soar.

    Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

    Sincerely, L. L. McKee
    NBOE Accreditation Officer
    <http://www.nationalboardedu.com>
     
  2. Yes,
    The solicitation seems to be going around. Dr. Les Carr of CCWU forwarded the same message to me a few minutes ago.
    Earon
    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    Dear Earon; This would appear to be a scam; but perhaps I am overly suspicious. I thought you might find this "solicitation" to be interesting. NBOE sent an initial inquiry to the CCWU Admissions Office. This gentleman would appear to be quite sophisticated in his approach. Best Wishes Les
    ----- Original Message -----
    From: NBOE
    To: Les Carr
    Sent: Saturday, February 01, 2003 4:43 PM
    Subject: Re: CCWU accreditation recognized by the U.S. Office ofEducation


    Dear Dr. Carr,

    The U.S. Office of Education is not the agency that gives, (or needs to give) recognition of your accreditation.

    However, your school would benefit greatly if foreign evaluation agencies that are recognized by the U.S. Office of Education will attest that CCWU degrees are equivalent to US regionally accredited degrees.

    This can only be done if the school accreditation meets the requirements of the U.S. Office of Education, one of which is that the university hold the recognition of its homeland's Education Minister.

    NBOE can secure for your school full government recognition that can be verified through the M.O.E. office or WA DC Embassy.


    The following may be of help. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to ask.

    Why do we need government accreditation?

    Every college or university needs accreditation from either a US approved accreditor, OR a government Education Minister. "Unknown", "unrecognized, "non-US Dept of Ed approved" or other "dubious" accreditations are actually damaging to the reputation of the school and should never be used. The Internet makes this information available to potential students and using non-credible accreditation agencies results in a negative image.

    Why should "private" or "unknown" or "self created" accreditation agencies be avoided?

    No approved evaluation agency will attest that any degree earned at an institution that is not fully recognized by an Education Minister is equivalent to US RA degree, When degree holders require an evaluation of their degree to prove equivalency, they will turned down if their degree is from a school without government recognition. These types of “accreditations” are harmful to your schools reputation and destroy credibility.

    Why do I need NBOE to gain this recognition?

    NBOE is fully accredited and recognized by the Education Ministry of Liberia as the only legal, valid and authentic accrediting agency, operating under the authority and in conformity with all current laws and regulations ruling educational competency certification of the Republic of Liberia, and meets all legal qualifications to establish virtual universities to grant college level degrees.

    ONLY through NBOE channels, can you be guaranteed the acceptance of your university for full recognition by the Minister of Education.

    But, what if our university wishes to be accredited or recognized in another country?

    Liberia's educational laws allow for great flexibility, making it an ideal homeland for online and nontraditional programs. However, some universities wish to have recognition of other countries. Once your university has been fully recognized by our Minister of Education, gaining additional recognitions through other countries becomes much easier.

    NBOE is in the process of adding additional countries, but only existing accredited members will be allowed access to these in the future.

    What is the fee for accreditations?

    Your school will receive a Certificate of Recognition directly from the Minster of Education of the Republic of Liberia, valid for two years. The fee to NBOE covers ALL costs involved and comes with a guaranty of acceptance. The fee is $50,000 US.

    Once your university can legitimately claim full government recognized and accreditation your school will enjoy greater strength and credibility, and the value and the demand for your degrees will soar.

    Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

    Sincerely,

    L. L. McKee
    NBOE
    Accreditation Officer
    www.nationalboardedu.com
     
  3. Gus Sainz

    Gus Sainz New Member

    The folks at Saint Regis are doing a good deal more than just claiming accreditation from the Republic of Liberia. It appears that they are the same individuals behind the NBOE, and are now aggressively marketing Liberian “accreditation” to others. However, the wording of the official Republic of Liberia document that the NBOE purports grants them the right to extend accreditation to others is questionable, at best. The document does make clear, however, that the National Board of Education, Inc. operates Saint Regis University.

    • Republic of Liberia
      MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
      A-103/M-10/2002

      We, Hon. Thomas Clark, Acting Assistant Minister, Department of Instruction Ministry of Education and Hon. Boima Kiadil, Director of Accreditation, Ministry of Education, appointed in the legal capacity of the Ministry of Education, Republic of Liberia, grant full recognition and accreditation to the National Board of Education, Inc. (An International Business Corporation registered in Liberia) and its operation of Saint Regis University and its branch campuses, as legal, valid and authentic higher education accreditation and degree granting organizations operating under the authority and in conformity with all current laws and regulations ruling education competency certification of the Republic of Liberia, meeting all legal qualifications to establish operate online and virtual universities to grant college level degrees, through their proprietary course programs and/or assessment programs developed to measure and compare existing knowledge levels of enrollees to college level equivalency and to grant college degrees based on equivalency, or through the successful completion of their established graduation requirements which may be attained through traditional coursework, independent studies and research, field experience and/or traditional methods.

      DONE THIS 28TH DAY OF AUGUST A.D. 2002 IN THE CITY OF MONROVIA, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.


    The document is signed by the Hon. Boima Kiadil, Director of Accreditation, Ministry of Education, and approved by the Hon. Thomas Clark, Acting Assistant Minister, Department of Instruction Ministry of Education. A copy of the original can be found here.
     
  4. Re: Re: Liberian accreditation for sale, $50,000 + $20,000/year

    Thanks for that piece of information, Gus. I forwarded it on to Dr. Carr at CCWU. It definitely confirms his suspicions.

    Documents...ya gotta lov'em.
    Earon
     
  5. Gus Sainz

    Gus Sainz New Member

    I am not an expert in these matters, but it is quite possible that any U.S. entity that gets involves in such shenanigans risks being in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The Antibribery Provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, in part, read as follows:

    • Basic Provisions Prohibiting Foreign Corrupt Payments
      Antibribery Provisions

      The FCPA makes it unlawful to bribe foreign government officials to obtain or retain business. The antibribery provisions apply both to certain issuers of registered securities and issuers required to file periodic reports with the SEC (referred to as "issuers") and to others (referred to as "domestic concerns".) A "domestic concern" is defined to mean any individual who is a citizen, national, or resident of the United States, or any corporation, partnership, association, joint-stock company, business trust, unincorporated organization, or sole proprietorship which has its principal place of business in the United States, or which is organized under the laws of a State of the United States, or a territory, possession, or commonwealth of the United States.

      The FCPA's antibribery provisions extend to two types of behavior. The basic prohibition is against making bribes directly; a second prohibition covers the responsibility of a domestic concern and its officials for bribes paid by intermediaries.

      The FCPA's basic antibribery prohibition makes it unlawful for a firm (as well as any officer, director, employee, or agent of a firm or any stockholder acting on behalf of the firm) to offer, pay, promise to pay (or even to authorize the payment of money, or anything of value, or to authorize any such promise) to any foreign official for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business for or with, or directing business to, any person. (A similar prohibition applies with respect to payments to a foreign political party or official thereof or candidate for foreign political office.)

      Payments by Intermediaries
      It is also unlawful to make a payment to any person, while knowing that all or a portion of the payment will be offered, given, or promised, directly or indirectly, to any foreign official (or foreign political party, candidate, or official) for the purposes of assisting the firm in obtaining or retaining business. "Knowing" includes the concepts of "conscious disregard" or "willful blindness."
    A comprehensive explanation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Antibribery Provisions can be found here.
     
  6. uncle janko

    uncle janko member

    In other words, it may not even be "real" Liberian accreditation...
     
  7. Dennis Ruhl

    Dennis Ruhl member

    Tried to find Liberian email addresses for the office of the president, minister of education, University of Liberia and failed.

    Found email for embassy in Washington and it didn't work. Found email for a couple newspapers, but they have been closed by the government.

    Liberia appears to be pretty much a wreck following their civil war.

    I imagine that all evaluators of foreign academic credits must by now understand the uselessness of Liberian accreditation.

    Perhaps someone, other than myself, should apprise them of the situation.
     
  8. At least as real as the "real" Liberian diplomatic passports that are also available in Monrovia for around US$40.
     
  9. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member


    I wonder how liberian citizens would feel about this. The goverment is getting $50000 per accreditation and loosing millions of dollars in credibility. At the end, it would be the liberian student that will suffer from a low reputation of his education in the global economy. A bad business if you ask me.
     
  10. Gus Sainz

    Gus Sainz New Member

    A copy of a different document, the Certificate of Accreditation & Recognition issued by the Ministry of Education Republic of Liberia, can be found here and here (the latter being on Saint Regis University's Web site). It states that, “the National Board of Education, Inc. (an International Business Corporation registered in Liberia operating the Saint Regis University and its branch campuses) was granted full recognition and accreditation by the Division of Accreditation, Ministry of Education, republic of Liberia as a valid and authentic educational institution.” No word, however, on the NBOE’s claim to be, ”the only privately-owned legally authorized accreditation agency approved by the Education Minister Of The Republic of Liberia.”

    It might well be that the NBOE is a bit overzealous in interpreting the wording of the Liberian documents authorizing it to establishing branch campuses when it claims, ”The National Board of Education, Inc, NBOE has full legal authority to grant full Government Recognition and Accreditation to schools and other educational organizations.” In fact, their Accreditation Web page continually refers to ”NBOE Accreditation”, and ”NBOE Accredited Members”, and only cryptically states that, ”NBOE Accredited Members are granted Government Recognition. (emphasis theirs)

    Moreover, as we have seen, in many countries where the Ministry of Education apporves all schools, the term accreditation refers only to teacher certification. This might very well by the case in Liberia, especially in light of the fact that the Certificate of Accreditation & Recognition, in addition to being signed by the ubiquitous Boima T. Kiadii, Director of the Division of Accreditation, is approved by Marcus Sokpah, Assistant Minister for Teacher Education, Certification & Accreditation. (emphasis added)


    These gems were culled form NBOE’s Summary of National Board of Education, Inc Offerings Web page.
    • To establish and operate progressive online and virtual universities that specialize in AED (Advanced Education Development) or other non-classroom programs developed to grant college level degrees based upon qualification by assessment of prior learning, experiential learning, testing, independent study or coursework.

      To provide an accreditation process by which only the most highly competent providers of virtual, distance, online and other non-traditional educational organizations will qualify for membership.

      NBOE is also a comprehensive provider of degree and document authentication and Apostille services. Because NBOE specializes in non-traditional education methods, they realize that solid credentials and strong supporting documentation are necessities in assuring that graduates receive the maximum benefits of their achievements.
    So, lets see if I understand this correctly. NBOE creates and operates schools, accredits them, AND provides the “legal” documentation attesting to their legitimacy? I particularly like the last line which, in essence, states: If you are going to successfully pull the wool over someone’s eyes, you better make sure the shit looks good. :D

    However, my favorite line from their Web site (which I believe sums it all up) has to be, “NBOE provides services worldwide, and has found The Republic of Liberia to be the finest example of supportive leadership in educational advancement to all nations.” Doesn’t take a genius to figure out what that statement really means. :rolleyes:
     
  11. MarkIsrael@aol.com

    [email protected] New Member

    NBOE responds

    I just got this e-mail from the "National Board of Education, Inc.". John Bear or Earon Kavanagh (or anyone), have you ever before seen "the rest of message" which NBOE claims I am dishonestly suppressing?

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Subj: Re: Saint Regis University, Liberian "accreditation", and bribes
    Date: 5/3/2003 3:06:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time
    From: [email protected]
    To: [email protected]

    You seem to be mistaken. Liberia does not "sell" accreditation. NBOE is an approved accreditor (much like a US regional accreditors) that does have authority to assist schools with meeting requirements for accreditation. In addition ALL accreditation includes fees (which are NOT bribes). DETC and US RS are much more expensive. Are their high fees "bribes"? This is indeed insulting! If you had been honest, and given ALL information you would have included the rest of message below:

    Why do I need NBOE to gain this recognition?

    NBOE is fully accredited and recognized by the Education Ministry of Liberia as the only legal, valid and authentic accrediting agency, operating under the authority and in conformity with all current laws and regulations ruling educational competency certification of the Republic of Liberia, and meets all legal qualifications to establish virtual universities to grant college level degrees.

    ONLY through NBOE preparation and processes, can you be assured that your university will be prepared to meet requirements for full recognition by the Minister of Education.

    What is the fee for accreditations?

    As you know, the fees for US RA, or even DETC accreditation is so high that many good schools cannot afford to apply. This is a terrible disservice to schools that may have outstanding programs, but limited finances.
    Please read this direct quote found at an online distance education discussion group dates Feb. 4, 2003:

    "The average cost to get DETC accreditation is US$250,000 and more for RA. There is little, if any, emphasis on what students produce, reviewing assignments, written examinations, etc. The process puts an emphasis on 'systems' not 'outcomes', whether people have a PhD (not that this has anything whatsoever to do with the ability to teach!), physical library facilities and so I could go on."

    Unlike US RA and DETC accreditation, NBOE accreditation places heavy emphasis on what students produce, on reviewing assignments and written examinations, and more. The NBOE process puts less emphasis on “systems” and most emphasis on “'outcomes”.
    NBOE accreditation does not require old fashion “physical” library facilities. Online libraries are favored, as they are easier for students to access, much less costly and more up to date. Access to online libraries is a part of NBOE services in preparation of accreditation.
    The fee to NBOE covers ALL preparation for application and final certification. NBOE will assist your school in reaching the very high standards required to gain recognition by the Education Minister, including preparation and development of curriculum, catalogs, brochures, assessment manuals, policies and assistance with any other areas where improvement may be needed for final accreditation.

    The fee to NBOE for the full accreditation process is $50,000 US.

    Upon qualification, your school will receive a full accreditation from NBOE AND a Certificate of Recognition directly from the Minster of Education of the Republic of Liberia, valid for two years.

    What if, after NBOE preparation, our school is not accepted for recognition by the Education Minister?

    Our staff will assist your school in preparation to fully meet NBOE’s high stands as well as the standards of government accreditation requirements.
    If after preparation your school is turned down for government recognition and accreditation, NBOE will return your full payment.

    In any case, the accreditation preparation service was ended several months ago, which is another fact you chose to snip out.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 3, 2003
  12. George Brown

    George Brown Active Member

    Re: NBOE responds

    So does this mean that you apply, they take your money, you don't meet the requirements, they no longer help you meet the requirements, they then give your money back???

    Sounds too good to be true!!!

    Cheers,

    George
     
  13. uncle janko

    uncle janko member

    Only through NBOE? Adam Smith University (be that as it may)claims Liberian accreditation but makes no reference whatever to NBOE.
     
  14. Frangop

    Frangop New Member

    To RA or not to RA?

    I personally doubt that NBOE is a credible/legitimate organisation and I am not convinced that it is even associated in any way with the government/parliament of Liberia.

    However, if NBOE is veritable and is recognised by the Liberian parliament, then we have “discovered” the greatest (back-door) alternative to evade America’s Regional Accreditation (RA) barricade.

    Indeed, who needs RA when they can have legitimate globally recognised accreditation from NBOA?

    CFr
    :(
     
  15. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    After the registrars' convention in Washington last month, several of them sent to the US headquarters of NBOE. As they reported on a registrars' news forum, what they found was a Mail Boxes Etc. box rental store.
     
  16. roysavia

    roysavia New Member

    .Reality Check

    Q: What's the difference between a prostitute and the NBOE?

    A: No difference. After they've taken your money they both leave you screwed.
     
  17. MarkIsrael@aol.com

    [email protected] New Member

    mail drop

    John Bear wrote:

    > After the registrars' convention in Washington last month,
    > several of them sent to the US headquarters of NBOE. As they
    > reported on a registrars' news forum, what they found was a
    > Mail Boxes Etc. box rental store.


    What is wrong with that? Did NBOE falsely claim somewhere to have a physical presence in the US?
     
  18. roysavia

    roysavia New Member

    This is the trade mark of a diploma mill. The school's main address is usually comprised of several mail boxes, no physical campus, foreign accreditation by an unknown accrediting agency and an aggressive marketing campaign.

    An updated web site for SRU:

    www.saintregisuniversity.ac
     
  19. uncle janko

    uncle janko member

    Frangop: You may be right. In all the discussion of this bogus set-up, no one has demonstrated that there is any connection between NBOE and the actual government (such as it now is) in Monrovia. There is a diplomat's name in Washington which appears in the NBOE and SRU material. Beyond that, who knows?

    Others: Please note that I'm not arguing for the value of real (such as it now is) Liberian accreditation.
     
  20. Dennis Ruhl

    Dennis Ruhl member

    Does anyone here know anyone in Monrovia who can check to see if Saint Regis has a presence there or at least report on the size and location of their mailbox?
     

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