A Bachelor of Divinity programme offered at the Malua Theological College has become the country’s first bachelor degree program to be locally accredited by the Samoa Qualifications Authority (S.Q.A.). 

The accreditation was officially confirmed and approved during the S.Q.A Board meeting in February, said the Authority’s Chairperson, Gatoloaifa’ana Tilianamua Afamasaga.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Gatoloaifa’ana said the accreditation is a significant achievement for post-school education and training and the S.Q.A.  

Once the programme is accredited, the associated qualification becomes registered on the Samoa Qualifications Framework. 

In acknowledging the M.T.C.’s Principal and staff for being cooperative and supportive. Gatoloaifa’ana said the accomplishment is encouraging other post-school education programmes to seek accreditation.

She pointed out the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) has also expressed support for submitting their programmes for accreditation by the S.Q.A. 

The achievement harks back to a time when London Missionary Society (L.M.S.) missionaries were the first group to establish formal schooling and education in Samoa.  

The M.T.C. was established in 1844 with the purpose of training men to be effective Ministers in local churches. 

The inauguration of the first Bachelor’s degree programme at M.T.C. was in 1997. 

In addition to the newly accredited Bachelor of Divinity, the institution also offers a Bachelor of Theology and Diploma of Theology. 

The M.T.C. aims to provide quality theological education to equip its students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective ministry.