Quality Assurance Practices in Higher Education Institutions: Lesson from Africa

Abstract

This paper examines how quality assurance (QA) is viewed, implemented, practised in higher learning institutions. It addresses its essence and development in higher education. It discusses what quality, quality assurance and systems, procedures and mechanism employed to improve quality of education offered. The study employed desk data that involves analysing information that already exists and realist and meta-narrative reviews to synthesis of data. The paper also traces back current initiatives made by higher education institutions (HEIs) to address quality assurance practices (systems, policy and strategy) in Africa. However, the paper tries to answer a long-term unanswered questions that although there are quality assurance agencies,  policy and mechanisms practised in most of higher education institutions in Africa; why some of graduates are blamed to lack appropriate competency? Do HEIs quality assurance practitioners rethink and act according to the growing demands for improved quality assurance practices worldwide? Do HEIs have quality supporting staff, administrative staff and librarians who can act accordingly to produce quality graduates?

Keywords: Quality, quality assurance, higher education, Africa