NIBM recognized as degree awarding institute

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) which is the one of the leading institutes of the Vocational and Technical Training Ministry has now been recognized as a Degree Awarding Institute under the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978. A gazette notification has been issued by Higher Education Minister Wiswa Warnapala to this effect.

The NIBM is now authorized to award a BSc in Business Management (Human Resource Management, Logistics, Project management and Industrial Management) and BSc in Management Information Systems. Students may enrol in these degree programs immediately after A/ L examinations. Both programs are tailored to international standards and each level is a complete qualification in itself.

NIBM Director General E.A. Weerasinghe said, "Earlier we offered BSc in Management Information Systems in collaboration with the University of Ireland, a Higher Diploma in Computer Systems Design, a Diploma in Computer Systems Design and many Certificate courses to cater to different needs as well as to ensure students with lesser entry qualifications to National Universities.

They are able to work towards a well recognized degree in MIS from Europe. Now we can offer our own degree and we can save money. Earlier 60 percent of our income went to foreign universities."

"We never get funds from the Treasury. So as a self financing institute we have to get money from the students. With the main campus being situated in Colombo and regional centres in Kurunegala and Kandy, the NIBM ensures that quality training is available to a wider range of students.

The NIBM further intends to establish regional centres in other key districts to meet the needs of the youth and have them, qualified and trained . We hope to open the Galle branch in March 2010. Under the Uthuru Vasanthaya development and construction program we are going to establish our new branch in Jaffna.

The latest development will give an opportunity to students who do not get entry into universities to still obtain degrees that are approved by the University Grants Commission,"said the Director General.