Comparative Analysis of University Accreditation Systems in Nigeria, Egypt, Malawi and Japan: Lessons for Regulatory Authorities

Abstract

Purpose: Ensuring quality in accreditation standards and process for higher institutions is highly imperative in order to produce qualitative students and staff (national and international), and to securing the recognition of qualifications that institutions are awarding. The objective of this study was to investigates the similarities and differences in the accreditation process in Nigeria, Egypt, Malawi and Japan. Methods: The study was based on qualitative approach. The study adopted the historical method of data collection. This study being descriptive, as well as historical, relied essentially on secondary information sources gathered by the researchers via many books, articles, journal periodicals, internet materials, and notable books. Data were analyzed using a narrative method that leaned more on the interpretivist approach. Results: The study showed that accreditation process in the selected countries has some similarities in process and standards such as setting of minimum standards, self-study, selection and training of reviewers, site visit, reporting, final decision, disclosure, academic matter (curriculum), students, staffing, facilities and funding. Also, there exist some differences in the process and standards across the countries of study in term of preliminary/preassessment visit before actual site visit, factual error checking, virtual visit, third party agencies, verification of external auditor’s report, etc. Conclusion: The study assesses the university accreditation systems in Nigeria, Egypt, Malawi, and Japan. Accrediting agencies need to focus on future accreditation in term of digitalisation of accreditation process, emergence of non-traditional providers of higher education, high demand for competency-based university education/learning, high rate of global competitiveness, and elimination of academic and accreditation corruption in the system.