Major Challenges in Higher Education lack of relevance

Major Challenges in Higher Education

• lack of relevance of many study programs to cater to the current needs in the employment sectors • moderate quality of courses and study programs in the majority of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) • poor mastery of English Language and ICT skills of graduates creating deficiencies in the graduate profiles • the absence of a National Qualification Framework with pathways between the various types of HEIs, programs and courses

• Inadequate Quality Assurance mechanisms for the entire public and private HE sectors • the large proportion of students (nearly 60%) enrolled in External Degree Programs (EDPs) with minimal academic support; • weak research and knowledge linkages between HEIs and the industrial and service sectors of the economy;

QUALITY ASSURANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Character of Universities 20 th Century Ø Government to continuously provide adequate funding Ø Highly politicized and militant university community Ø Isolation of universities from markets Ø Academics believe in idealism, nationalism, liberalism, radicalism etc. Ø Supplied on national basis – mostly for local students Ø Government regulated Ø Competition and profits were almost unknown Ø Smaller enrolment for elitist students (studies or wealth)

Universities in 21 st Century Ø Higher Education is International Ø Annual Growth in Enrolment is 7% Ø Active Participation of Private Sector and Religious Organizations Ø Quality and Relevance are Important Ø Annual Tuition Fee Income US$ 30 billion Ø Universities Compete for Talent and Money Ø Mass Higher Education (Higher Education for all) Ø Role of State is Shrinking and Diminishing Ø Demand Exceeds the Supply Ø Offerings and Deliveries in Different ways

Some Statements on Quality Assurance § QA is not a science, but common sense § Instruments are important, but the right attitude is much more important § QA is the responsibility of everybody § QA should be part of the overall policy and management

QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM ACCREDITATION INTERNAL SELF ANALYSIS QUALITY PLAN EXTERNAL ACCOUNTABILITY EXTERNAL ASSESMENT IMPROVEMENT

End note • QA is like adding brakes to cars. The purpose of brakes is not to stop you: it’s to enable you to go fast! Brakes help avoid accidents caused by mechanical failures in other cars, rude drivers, and road hazards. • QA must be internally driven and become a need rather than an obligation • Whatever QA system is adopted, it has to be shared by majority of members of the Inst. • QA is a destination but not an end point

Positive Thinking