EduAsiaNews, Gunungsitoli – Universitas Nias (UNIAS) continues to expand access to higher education for the community by organizing the Socialization and Implementation of the Type A Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Program. The event was held online and centered at the Rector’s Meeting Room of Universitas Nias, located at Jalan Pancasila No. 10, on Friday (Aug. 7, 2026).
The Type A RPL Program offers an efficient and flexible pathway to higher education by allowing prospective students’ work experience, training, and informal learning to be recognized as equivalent to Semester Credit Units (SKS). This enables professionals and workers seeking to pursue undergraduate degrees to potentially complete their studies in a shorter period.
In his remarks, Universitas Nias Rector Dr. Yaredi Waruwu, S.S., M.S., expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the Higher Education Service Institute (LLDIKTI) Region I of North Sumatra for the trust and guidance provided to UNIAS.
“The Type A RPL Program reflects Universitas Nias’ commitment to providing the widest possible access to higher education for people in the Nias Islands and surrounding areas who already have professional experience. We are committed to implementing the program accountably, transparently, and in accordance with established standards,” Dr. Yaredi Waruwu said.
The implementation of the program received full support from LLDIKTI Region I of North Sumatra. Head of LLDIKTI Region I North Sumatra, Prof. Drs. Saiful Anwar Matondang, M.A., Ph.D., provided direct guidance and recommendations to ensure that the RPL program at Universitas Nias is implemented effectively and in compliance with applicable regulations.
“The RPL Program is not merely a convenient way to obtain a degree. It is a legitimate recognition of the experience and competencies that members of the community have already acquired. Therefore, Universitas Nias must validate and assess the recognition process transparently and accountably to ensure the quality of its graduates,” Prof. Saiful Anwar Matondang said in his guidance.
The event also featured technical experts and officials from LLDIKTI Region I of North Sumatra as online speakers, including Irawan Sukma, S.E., and Nurul Hanani Lubis, S.Kom., S.Si., who served as Technical Policy Reviewers. Also participating was Dr. Herbet Wau, SKM., M.P.H., who served as a Verification Team member.
The speakers provided comprehensive explanations of the regulations, assessment mechanisms, and quality assurance standards governing the implementation of the Type A RPL Program. The presentations were intended to ensure that the recognition of prospective students’ prior learning experiences is conducted transparently, accountably, and in accordance with national higher education standards.
Through strong collaboration with LLDIKTI Region I of North Sumatra, Universitas Nias is optimistic that the Type A RPL Program will provide a new opportunity for communities in the Nias Islands and surrounding areas to improve their academic qualifications and develop a highly skilled and competitive human resource base.
(Universitas Nias Public Relations)
