Chairman of ETQAAN Authority and Minister of Higher Education Share a Vision for Promoting a Culture of Quality in Technical and Technological Education.
Chairman of ETQAAN Authority and Minister of Higher Education Share a Vision for Promoting a Culture of Quality in Technical and Technological Education.
Minister of Higher Education Discusses with ETQAAN Authority Chairman the Development of Quality Assurance and Accreditation System in Technical and Technological Education
“Minister of Higher Education: Quality Assurance and Accreditation Are Fundamental Pillars for the Internationalization of Education and Enhancing the Competitiveness of Egyptian Educational Institutions.”
Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, welcomed Dr. Mohamed Mousa Emarah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Egyptian TVET Quality Assurance and Accreditation Authority (ETQAAN), in the presence of Dr. Ahmed El-Gioushy and Dr. Ibrahim Fares. The meeting focused on mechanisms for enhancing the quality of technical and technological education and developing institutional and program accreditation systems in line with national and international standards.
During the meeting, the Minister emphasized that Egypt places great importance on developing the technical and technological education system, considering it one of the key drivers of economic and social development and a fundamental pillar for preparing qualified human resources capable of keeping pace with the rapidly changing demands of labor markets at the local, regional, and international levels.
The Minister noted that quality assurance and accreditation are no longer merely regulatory procedures or institutional requirements; rather, they have become strategic tools for improving institutional performance, enhancing educational outcomes, and strengthening the competitiveness of Egyptian educational institutions regionally and internationally. He further stressed that nationally recognized accreditations with international recognition represent an important gateway to expanding international academic partnerships and attracting programs and projects that support educational development and elevate the standing of Egyptian educational institutions.
Dr. Konsowa commended the efforts of ETQAAN Authority in developing standards and indicators in accordance with international benchmarks, emphasizing the importance of benefiting from the Authority’s expertise in building an integrated national quality assurance system within higher education and technological education institutions, thereby supporting the objectives of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research.
During the meeting, Dr. Mohamed Mousa Emarah reviewed the establishment, objectives, and role of ETQAAN Authority in developing the education system. He highlighted the Authority’s key achievements since its inception and outlined the international perspective through which it develops standards, indicators, and accreditation programs for universities and institutes.
He also explained that ETQAAN Authority operates in accordance with international best practices and standards, while aligning with global quality specifications and ISO systems. He also highlighted the Authority’s cooperation with international institutions and experts in training and capacity-building initiatives, which support efforts to internationalize education and strengthen international recognition of the outcomes of Egyptian educational institutions.
He emphasized that quality extends beyond compliance with documentation and procedural requirements, relying instead on the application of international standards and performance indicators to measure educational outcomes and assess their alignment with development goals and labor market needs. He also noted that the Authority has successfully signed five cooperation protocols with various ministries and national entities to promote a culture of quality and develop assessment and accreditation systems.
Dr. Emarah further presented a proposal for establishing a Central Quality Assurance Unit within the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The proposed unit would support and monitor universities, technical institutes, and higher engineering institutes, with a comprehensive organizational structure, defined responsibilities, and operational mechanisms. He explained that the unit could provide training for specialized personnel from universities and institutes on institutional accreditation requirements and organize workshops and specialized training programs with the participation of international experts to support efforts aimed at measuring and improving the quality of the educational system.
In this context, the Minister directed that the proposal submitted by ETQAAN Authority be studied in coordination with the relevant stakeholders to explore implementation mechanisms and leverage it in supporting institutional and program accreditation efforts and promoting a culture of quality within higher education and technological education institutions.
The meeting also reviewed ETQAAN Authority’s efforts in supporting technical and technological education institutions, monitoring accreditation procedures, evaluating educational programs, promoting a culture of quality within educational institutions, and enhancing mechanisms for continuous monitoring and assessment.
The two sides additionally discussed opportunities for joint cooperation to support technological universities and technical institutes and to improve the quality and effectiveness of academic programs in line with the rapidly evolving labor market demands and modern technological developments.
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