The National Transformation Initiative (NTI) and the Barbados Accreditation Council (BAC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant step in strengthening Barbados’ educational landscape. This partnership highlights the critical role of lifelong learning, workforce development and competency-building for Barbadians in an increasingly skills-driven global economy.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, BAC Director Lisa Gale and NTI Director Dr. The Hon. Allyson Leacock underscored the growing demand for flexible, high-quality training that responds to the evolving needs of the Barbadian workforce.
Ms. Gale noted that BAC’s relationship with the NTI dates back to its inception in 2020 and emphasised that while this MOU does not signal formal accreditation of the NTI—since it is an initiative rather than an institution—it affirms the BAC’s recognition of its pivotal role in national development.
“As the sole external quality assurance body for higher education in Barbados… Today marks a formal acknowledgement by the BAC of the crucial role that the NTI plays in lifelong learning. It also signals that the BAC is embracing and acknowledging all training opportunities that we believe add value to this country’s educational and training infrastructure. Indeed, some members of the team here at the BAC have already embarked upon and in some cases completed training opportunities provided through the NTI’s courses, specifically the many Coursera-based subject areas,” she said.
She further highlighted that global accreditation and recognition trends are shifting towards broader qualification assessments, aligning with the NTI’s focus on micro-credentials and skill-based learning.
Dr. Leacock reinforced the urgency of adapting to the rapidly changing global landscape, stating that education can no longer remain static: “The world is evolving at a frenetic pace and it is no longer just about degrees, it is about skills, adaptability and lifelong learning. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2027, half of all global workers will need reskilling to keep pace with the technologies of the future. That is why eLearning is the perfect platform to provide both the speed and scale that we will need to achieve this and for us as small Barbados to be a part of the other half already reskilled.”
“Online learning is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for professionals worldwide who need to upskill quickly and stay competitive. AI-powered learning is revolutionising education by offering personalised experiences, automating assessments and improving accessibility. At the same time, micro-credentials are emerging as the new currency of the workforce with employers prioritising skills over traditional degrees. This shift underscores the growing demand for flexible, stackable certifications that allow individuals to build expertise in a way that aligns with the fast pace of industry needs,” she continued.
The NTI’s partnership with Coursera, made possible through a government investment, provides free, unlimited access to over 13,500 world-class courses from internationally accredited universities and Fortune 500 companies, including Yale, Stanford, Google and IBM. With over 100,000 enrolments, the NTI is actively shaping the future of learning in Barbados, ensuring that its citizens are equipped with the skills to compete in a dynamic global economy.
The signing of this MOU with the BAC reinforces the credibility and national importance of the NTI’s eLearning initiatives. It acknowledges NTI’s role in providing high-quality, flexible pathways that complement traditional accreditation that aligns with the country’s development goals.
The official signing took place on 6 February, 2025, at BAC headquarters, marking the beginning of a strengthened collaboration in advancing education and workforce readiness in Barbados.
