IRDM College has announced a major shift in its academic strategy, transitioning from an affiliation model with Copperstone University to a partnership model centred on locally designed programmes that align with Eswatini’s higher education reforms.
In a press statement, the college said the transition is aimed at complying with the Eswatini Higher Education Council’s (ESHEC) localisation policy,
which encourages institutions to develop programmes tailored to the country’s economic priorities, labour market demands and cultural context.
The institution described the move as a strategic evolution of its relationship with Copperstone University rather than a separation,
saying the partnership will now focus on supporting the development of ESHEC-compliant programmes designed specifically for Eswatini.
IRDM College Founder and Director Dr Oliver Museka said the institution viewed the transition as an opportunity to take a leading role in strengthening local higher education.
“Our relationship with Copperstone University has been valuable and remains so, but the regulatory environment and our national responsibility have evolved. 
We are now positioned to lead localisation in Eswatini’s higher education sector by designing programmes that speak to our economy, our employers and our students’ futures,” he said in the statement.
The college assured students currently enrolled under the existing Memorandum of Understanding with Copperstone University that their studies would continue uninterrupted.
According to the statement, all students registered under the agreement signed in February 2020 will complete their qualifications under the existing arrangement, with the institution describing student protection as a non-negotiable commitment.
As part of the transition, IRDM College has submitted six new programmes to ESHEC for registration.
These are the Diploma in Retail Management, Diploma in Forensic Investigation and Security Management, Diploma in Forensic Auditing and Accounting,
Diploma in Psychosocial Counselling (Localised), Diploma in Customer Experience Management and the Foundation Certificate in Business.
The college said the programmes were developed in consultation with employers, government stakeholders and non-governmental organisations to ensure graduates possess skills that meet the needs of Eswatini’s job market.
It added that it already offers three ESHEC-registered diploma programmes in Business Studies, Security Management and Psychosocial Counselling, alongside several approved short courses for individuals and corporate clients.
The statement noted that the localisation drive reflects a broader effort by ESHEC to encourage institutions to move away from imported curricula and instead develop qualifications that respond to local workforce requirements.
“We are not being pushed into this. We are choosing to champion it because our founder’s vision has always been rooted here – in Eswatini, for Eswatini,” Dr Museka said.
Established in 2013, IRDM College said it has awarded more than 100 scholarships to emaSwati and remains committed to expanding access to higher education.
The institution also dismissed speculation that the transition signalled operational challenges, saying it remains fully operational and focused on growth.
“We are not closing. We are strengthening,” Dr Museka said, adding that the college had previously introduced a 50 per cent scholarship initiative in 2024 to assist students affected by economic hardship.
The college has invited students, parents, employers and government officials to visit its campus to verify documentation relating to the partnership transition and measures put in place to safeguard current students.
