By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:As thousands of young people across Eswatini prepare to transition from High Schools into higher education, the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC) has intensified its national Choose Right, Choose Accredited Campaign, placing accreditation at the centre of every future-facing decision.

The period following examination results is often marked by pressure and uncertainty, learners are eager to move forward, parents are anxious to avoid prolonged inactivity, and decisions are frequently made in haste. 

ESHEC has identified this narrow window as a time when families are most vulnerable to poor choices - particularly as unaccredited providers aggressively market themselves to anxious school leavers.

ESHEC Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Ncamsile Motsa said the campaign was launched to address the persistent problem of students enrolling in unaccredited programmes, a risk that intensifies as the Class of 2025 awaits results in January 2026. 

“The campaign is especially timely as the Class of 2025 awaits results in January 2026, when time pressure and persuasive marketing can push students into risky choices. Its core message is simple: pause, verify, and choose accredited pathways,” said the Acting ESHEC Director.

But Dr Motsa warned that the consequences of enrolling in unaccredited programmes can be severe and long-lasting. 

She said students must exercise caution because enrolling in unaccredited courses can result in wasted time, financial loss, and qualifications that are not recognised nationally or internationally. 

“Parents often face pressure when children are idle after results. ESHEC is providing clear information, parent-focused sensitisation sessions, helplines, and digital platforms to verify institutions quickly,” she said.

On another note, John Simon Dube, Headteacher of Duze High School said desperation often drives poor post-school decisions. 

“Many young people become desperate to simply be seen as ‘doing something’ at tertiary level. In that desperation, they rush into poor decisions and end up in fly-by-night institutions, losing both money and valuable time. This is why ESHEC’s work is so important,” he said.