7 th International Conference on Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Africa Abuja, Nigeria (22 – 25 September 2015) Implementation of Pan African.

7th International Conference on Quality Assurance in Higher Education in AfricaAbuja, Nigeria (22 – 25 September 2015)

Implementation of Pan African Quality Assurance and Accreditation

Framework

Presented byDr. Yohannes Woldetensae

Senior Education ExpertAfrican Union Commission

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IntroductionThe AUC has initiated the development of PAQAF in

collaboration with EU and AAU

A study was undertaken by two consultants

Consultative meeting was held to reach agreed position on the Framework involving continental and regional key stakeholders

A validation workshop was held in Accra, Ghana July 2015 to validate the PAQAF

Validated Framework guide implementation of continental QA and accreditation mechanisms

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Why PAQAFCurrently no continental mechanism exists for QA and

accreditation in Africa

The development of PAQAF helps to establish harmonized QA practices in the continent

It stimulates the setting up of quality assurance agencies in countries without QA agencies

It advances the implementation of revised Arusha Convention (or Addis Convention)

It will provide continent wide quality assurance and accreditation mechanism for PAU

It reinforces the implementation of AQRM

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Instruments for PAQAFContinental Qualification Framework

Revised Arusha Convention (Addis Convention)

Continental Standards and Guidelines for QA

African Quality Rating Mechanism

African Credit Accumulation and Transfer System

Continental Register of QA and accreditation agencies, quality assured HEIs, and database of experienced peer reviewers

Any other instruments as appropriate

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Continental Standards of QualitySet minimum continental standards with

endorsement of national QA agencies

Minimum continental standards will serve as a condition for accreditation, under national system

Develop standards of excellence to enhance quality and identify centres of excellence

Employ AQRM as the basis for setting continental quality standards

Consider national, regional, and international good practices

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Approaches to PAQAFPAQAF combines Political, Organisational, and

Functional approaches

Political approach provides legitimacy and common purpose

Organisational architecture supports cooperation and implementation

Functional instruments provide the tools for implementation

The AUC and the AAU (lead agency of AU for HE) shall coordinate the process of establishing PAQAF in collaboration with key stakeholders

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Issues for considerationEmpower national QA agencies to conduct

accreditation according to PAQAF standards

Ensure that QA Agencies performing accordingly through continental regulation mechanism

Respect independence of QA mechanisms at national and regional levels

Facilitate political endorsement of PAQAF by AU Member States

Demonstrate commitment of national QA agencies to AfriQAN as a network of QAA in Africa

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Strategies for PAQAFBuild on existing models of national and regional QA

mechanisms in developing the continental QA and accreditation framework

Ensure consultation between all key stakeholders

Strengthen AUC role as a facilitator to provide the necessary high level political support

Expedite ratification & implementation of revised Arusha (Addis convention) with organisational arrangements and follow-up processes

Implement AU Higher education Harmonisation Instruments

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Strategies for PAQAFEnsure independence of QA mechanisms at the national,

regional, and continental levels

Anchor prime responsibility for internal QA at institutional level

At continental level, ensure external quality assurance of QA Agencies

Base QA mechanisms on the complementary of quality enhancement and accreditation

Accreditation based on minimum standards

Promote quality enhancement as the vehicle for continuous improvement

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Next stepsEstablishment of legal framework for supporting the

PAQAF process and ensuring follow up

Establish sustainable funding mechanism for the operationalization of PAQAF

Present the Framework to STC AU Ministers of Education, and Science & Technology to ensure political endorsement and ownership

Launch the joint Africa-EU initiative to support the implementation of PAQAF in collaboration with AAU and implementers of the initiative

THANK YOU10