BENCHMARKING FOR BETTER QUALITY

With support from African Centre for Neglected and Underutilized Biodiversity (ACENUB) Project, the Acting Director of Quality Assurance visited Uganda and Kenya from 29^th September – 14^th October, 2023. An extensive benchmarking visit was done at the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA)- (An East Africa Regional Quality Assurance Institution), Makerere University (one of the oldest Public University in Kampala, Uganda) and Nkumba University (a private University in Entebbe, Uganda) from 2^nd – 6^th October, 2023. Benchmarking visit continues at University of Nairobi Main campus between 9 – 14^th October, 2023.

With the Qualification Framework and Accreditation Officer – Dr Robert Ayine at IUCEA

The benchmarking visit was necessary as the University is eying for regional accreditation for some of its programmes, a critical outcome for the ACENUB project.

Among other things the Acting Director interfaced with Prof Micheal Mawa- Senior Principal, Quality Assurance and Qualification Framework; Dr Robert Ayine – Senior Qualification Framework Officer and Prof. Alexis Ndabarushimana, the Senior Quality Assurance and Standards Officer at IUCEA; Dr. Misinde- Director of Quality Assurance and Stephen – Senior Program Officer at Makerere University, Francis Sengendo- Director of Quality Assurance at Nkumba University and Dr Wangai- the Director of Quality Assurance at University of Nairobi among many other colleagues.

Appreciating QA documents at Nkumba University, Uganda with Prof Mawa from IUCEA on the left and Francis, Director of Quality at Nkumba University

Several lessons have been learnt from the visits including teaching and learning monitoring, program review, satisfaction surveys, student support systems and external accreditation processes.

During the visit at IUCEA offices, the Acting Director joined IUCEA staff for a cup of tea at their weekly Tea time which normally takes place every Thursday between 10:00hrs – 11:00hrs where staff have time to freely interact, share updates and get special announcements.