Engaging a Fragmented Higher Education Quality Assurance System in Namibia: An Agenda for Change

This chapter critically examines the fragmented higher education quality assurance (QA) system in Namibia and its implications for efficient and effective implementation. It argues that the current QA arrangements, which are largely borrowed from Western models, are not improving the student learning experience due to a lack of consideration for the unique African higher education context. The chapter highlights the challenges arising from the overlapping mandates of multiple national QA agencies, leading to fragmentation, duplication and inefficiencies. It advocates for a paradigm shift towards QA mechanisms that are relevant to the African context and promotes quality enhancement over mere accountability. The authors suggest aligning QA practices, implementing research-informed and enhancement-focused policies, and fostering collaboration between institutions and QA agencies to cultivate a strong quality culture. The chapter emphasises the need to address the fragmentation and Eurocentric approaches to ensure that QA systems contribute to enhancing the quality of student learning experiences and supporting socio-economic transformation in Namibia.