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The IIA and Internal Audit Foundation Recognize Nelson Mandela University as a Center for Internal Auditing Excellence

NewsRelease The IIA Nov 02, 2023

LAKE MARY, Fla. (November 2, 2023) — The Internal Audit Foundation, part of The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA), today recognized Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa as a Center for Internal Auditing Excellence, the highest designation bestowed by The IIA for universities promoting the growth and success of the profession.

Their recent recognition as a Center for Internal Auditing Excellence makes Nelson Mandela University the 13th institution to receive the prestigious honor, following Texas A&M University’s designation in 2022.

“We are very proud of this achievement,” said Dr. Muki Moeng, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Learning and Teaching at Nelson Mandela University. “This is indicative of the quality of our programs and the effort put in by academics.”

Centers for Internal Auditing Excellence are identified by The IIA as colleges and universities that teach a curriculum consisting of a minimum of four courses related to the internal audit profession and equate to a concentration, minor, or major within a specific academic discipline. The IIA also takes into account the quality, sustainability, and volume of students completing the program, as well as the program’s longevity.

Prior to their recognition as a Center for Internal Auditing Excellence, Nelson Mandela University had been a longstanding member of the Internal Auditing Education Partnership Program (IAEP), a group of 57 colleges and universities teaching internal auditing curricula within an undergraduate or post-graduate degree program endorsed by The IIA. The IAEP program seeks to expand access to internal audit programs and recognizes colleges and universities that are giving students the educational opportunities they need to enter the profession.

In addition to the IAEP, The IIA acknowledges universities who are working to build awareness for internal audit by teaching the subject as a standalone course through the Internal Audit Awareness Program (IAAP). The IAAP program has more than tripled in size since 2019, from 18 colleges and universities to 65.

“Institutes of higher education play an essential role helping to prepare the next generation of internal audit talent,” said IIA President and CEO Anthony Pugliese, CIA, CPA, CGMA, CITP. “The IIA formally designates schools that go above and beyond as Centers of Excellence. Congratulations to Nelson Mandela University on joining this prestigious group. It’s a testament to the strength of their internal audit program and commitment to providing students an exceptional educational experience.”

The universities that The IIA recognizes as a Center of Excellence are:

  • Birmingham City University (England)
  • Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (Netherlands)
  • Kennesaw State University (United States)
  • Louisiana State University (United States)
  • Nelson Mandela University (South Africa)
  • Seattle University (United States)
  • John’s University (United States)
  • Texas A&M University (United States)
  • Universität Duisburg-Essen (Germany)
  • University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)
  • University of Houston (United States)
  • University of Pretoria (South Africa)
  • University of Texas at Dallas (United States)

IAEP schools receive exclusive benefits to aid their education programs, including the ability to apply for the Internal Audit Foundation’s IAEP Grant, more than 60 case studies and solutions, and additional resources.

View a full list of grants & awards given out by the Internal Audit Foundation.

About the Internal Audit Foundation

The Internal Audit Foundation, supported by the generosity of its donors, advances the practice of the profession by executing global research to explore issues impacting the profession and funding academic initiatives that support the pursuit and promotion of internal audit education within institutions of higher education.  

About The Institute of Internal Auditors    

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an international professional association that serves more than 235,000 global members and has awarded more than 190,000 Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certifications worldwide. Established in 1941, The IIA is recognized throughout the world as the internal audit profession's leader in standards, certifications, education, research, and technical guidance. For more information, visit theiia.org.    

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James Schiavone
Lansons
jamess@lansons.com
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The IIA

The Institute of Internal Auditors