Malawi Adventist University Hosts NCHE Team for Capacity-Building Seminar
In preparation for the upcoming National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) assessment, Malawi Adventist University (MAU) recently hosted a team from NCHE. The two-day seminar, held on June 14-15, 2024, aimed to bolster the university's readiness for the assessment by providing comprehensive insights into registration, accreditation, and curriculum development.
The NCHE team was led by Dr. Simeon Gwayi, Director of Registration and Accreditation, accompanied by Mr. Elias Selengo. Their visit underscored NCHE's commitment to supporting higher education institutions in Malawi to meet and exceed national educational standards.
Day One: Charter Templates and Accreditation Essentials
The first day of the seminar focused on the foundational aspects of university accreditation and registration. Dr. Simeon Gwayi presented detailed information on charter templates and minimum requirements necessary for MAU to secure and maintain accreditation. He emphasized the importance of adhering to these standards to ensure the university's programs meet national and international benchmarks.
Following Dr. Gwayi's presentation, Mr. Elias Selengo led a session on the tools and methodologies used for the registration and accreditation process. He provided an in-depth overview of the assessment tools employed by NCHE, highlighting how these tools help in maintaining the quality and integrity of higher education institutions. Mr. Selengo's presentation offered practical insights into how MAU can effectively prepare for the upcoming assessment.
Day Two: Curriculum Design and Self-Assessment
The second day of the seminar was dedicated to the critical aspects of curriculum design, review, and implementation. Dr. Gwayi guided the participants through best practices in curriculum development, stressing the need for curricula that are both relevant and responsive to the dynamic demands of the job market and society.
Mr. Selengo then took the stage to discuss self-assessment guidelines, which are pivotal for continuous improvement and accountability within the university. He introduced the improvement plan template and the annual report template, tools that are essential for tracking progress and identifying areas for enhancement. His session provided a clear roadmap for MAU to systematically assess its strengths and weaknesses and implement effective improvement strategies.
Building a Stronger Future
The seminar concluded with a Q&A session, allowing MAU faculty and administrative staff to engage directly with the NCHE representatives, seeking clarification and further guidance on specific issues. This interactive session reinforced the collaborative spirit between NCHE and MAU, fostering a mutual commitment to excellence in higher education.
Malawi Adventist University expresses its gratitude to Dr. Simeon Gwayi and Mr. Elias Selengo for their invaluable contributions. The insights and tools shared during the seminar will undoubtedly aid MAU in its preparation for the NCHE assessment, ultimately enhancing the quality of education provided to its students.
MAU remains dedicated to achieving and maintaining high standards of educational excellence, ensuring that its graduates are well-equipped to contribute positively to society. The university looks forward to continued collaboration with NCHE and other stakeholders in the higher education sector.