The Dean of SIMAD University Graduate School, Dr. Abukar Mukhtar Omar, successfully participated in the Capacity Building Training Programme on Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) for Higher Education Institutions in East Africa – Cohort 6, held in Bujumbura, Burundi, from 28th to 30th April 2025.
The training was organized by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) in partnership with national higher education commissions and councils from the East African Community (EAC) partner states. It brought together 30 in-person participants in Bujumbura and 50 online participants from across the region, including Quality Assurance Directors, Managers, Coordinators, and other senior university officials.
Focus of the Training
The programme centered on the implementation of Internal Quality Assurance Systems (IQAS), a key element in strengthening higher education quality and harmonization across the EAC. Participants were trained on practical and strategic approaches to embed quality assurance into institutional processes, ensuring higher education institutions achieve international standards.
Key topics covered included:
- Principles and practice of self-assessment in higher education.
- Designing and applying assessment instruments, including tools and checklists.
- Developing quality self-assessment reports to enhance institutional accountability.
- Crafting and implementing improvement plans for continuous quality enhancement.
- Benchmarking visits, with participants undertaking a study tour to the University of Burundi to observe best practices.
The sessions were facilitated by eminent quality assurance experts, including Prof. Mike Kuria, Prof. Masoud Muruke, Prof. Paul Nzioki, Prof. Josephine Arasa, Prof. Michael Mawa, and Dr. Joseph Cosam, who guided participants through both theoretical frameworks and hands-on exercises.
Significance for SIMAD University
Dr. Abukar Mukhtar Omar noted that the training provided invaluable skills, frameworks, and peer learning opportunities that will directly benefit SIMAD University’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its internal quality assurance mechanisms.
“This training has equipped us with advanced tools for self-assessment and continuous improvement. It will support SIMAD University in ensuring sustainable quality standards in teaching, learning, and research, while also aligning our practices with regional and international benchmarks,” he emphasized.
By taking part in this capacity-building initiative, SIMAD University reinforces its position as a leading institution in Somalia committed to academic excellence, evidence-based quality assurance, and regional collaboration. The Graduate School, in particular, stands to benefit from enhanced mechanisms for monitoring academic programs, evaluating outcomes, and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement.
Regional Impact and Next Steps
The training forms part of IUCEA’s broader initiative to operationalize the EAC Road Map to Quality, which guides universities on internal and external quality assurance standards. With quality assurance officers across the region now empowered with new knowledge, institutions are expected to undertake self-assessment exercises, prepare comprehensive reports, and implement improvement projects to strengthen their systems.
The programme concluded with a certificate award ceremony and a commitment by participants to champion IQAS in their respective institutions. Dr. Abukar’s involvement ensures that SIMAD University will not only adopt these practices but also contribute to shaping the future of higher education quality assurance in East Africa.
