The Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Accra has hosted the inaugural West African Anglophone Quality Assurance Network (WAAQAN) Conference, which commenced on Monday, September 2, 2024. The three-day event, themed “Sharing Experiences on Internal Quality Assurance in Anglophone West African Countries Higher Education Institutions (HEIs),” brought together quality assurance practitioners from Nigeria, Liberia, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Ghana. The conference aimed to foster dialogue, share best practices, address quality assurance challenges, and enhance educational standards to align with international benchmarks.
Dr. Noel Biodun Saliu, Deputy Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s National Universities Commission
Delivering the opening remarks, Dr. Noel Biodun Saliu, Deputy Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s National Universities Commission, also the key speaker for the ceremony, underscored the critical role of quality assurance in education. He remarked that “Quality assurance is essential for every institution, and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure it is maintained at all times.” Dr. Saliu further highlighted the significance of the conference in raising awareness among participants about the importance of quality assurance as a key driver of growth across various sectors.
Professor Kayode Adekeye, President of WAAQAN.
Professor Kayode Adekeye, President of WAAQAN, delivered the keynote address, stressing that quality assurance is fundamental to delivering effective and efficient education at higher education institutions across Africa. He noted that since its inception in 2019, WAAQAN has trained over 60 individuals to become quality assurance leaders in different African countries. Professor Adekeye also commended the management of RMU for hosting the conference, stating that it presented a valuable learning opportunity for all stakeholders and would ultimately contribute to the enhancement of educational quality within tertiary institutions.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., emphasized the importance of partnerships, such as the collaboration between WAAQAN and RMU, in advancing quality assurance throughout the sub-region. He stated, “Through initiatives such as this conference, we can pool collective knowledge and experience, learn from each other, and build a stronger higher education system in West Africa.” Dr. Brooks called for sustained commitment to the principles of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement, urging stakeholders to work together to create environments where students can thrive, faculty can innovate, and knowledge can be created and shared for the betterment of the sub-region.
Dr. Momodou Lamin Tarro, Chief Executive Officer National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority, The Gambia.
Dr. Momodou Lamin Tarro, Chief Executive Officer National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority, The Gambia, also addressed the conference, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring quality education across the country.
The maiden WAAQAN Conference at the Regional Maritime University successfully brought together key stakeholders from across West Africa to engage in meaningful dialogue on enhancing quality assurance in higher education. With contributions from esteemed leaders in academia and government, the conference highlighted the shared commitment to raising educational standards and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the region. As participants return to their respective institutions, the insights and collaborations formed at this event are expected to drive substantial progress toward achieving international benchmarks for quality education in West Africa.
Information Source: Marketing Unit.