OAQA reviews progress in higher education quality assurance

MUSCAT: Under the auspices of Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed al Shaibani, Minister of Education, the Oman Authority for Quality Assurance (OAQA) of Education organised a high-level briefing session to present recent developments in higher education quality assurance.
The event brought together officials and specialists from across the education sector.
The Authority highlighted key institutional advancements following the issuance of Royal Decree No 12/2026.
Dr Jokha bint Abdullah al Shukaili, Chairperson of the Oman Authority for Quality Assurance of Education, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the Authority’s transformation, including its updated name, refreshed identity and expanded mandate.
She emphasised that these developments strengthen the Authority’s national role in advancing quality assurance in line with international best practices, improving system-wide integration and reinforcing governance through an independent national framework.
The briefing also showcased the Authority’s Strategic Plan (2026-2030), which focuses on innovation, institutional excellence, and capacity building. A newly introduced organisational structure was also presented, designed to support the Authority’s long-term strategic direction.
Dr Reem al Alawi, Director-General of the Higher Education Quality Assurance Centre, provided an overview of external quality assurance activities in higher education.

She highlighted the Centre’s structure, key functions and major initiatives, supported by statistical data reflecting institutional and programme-level evaluations. She also underscored the importance of training and developing national expertise to sustain quality assurance practices.
In another presentation, Fakhriya al Habsi, Director-General of the Oman Qualifications Framework Directorate-General, addressed challenges related to implementing the National Qualifications Framework.
She discussed its national applications, transformative impact and outcomes, while also highlighting challenges in the design, development and review of qualifications by awarding bodies.
Salim al Kindi, Quality Assurance Expert, reviewed key regulatory frameworks governing external quality assurance activities. These included the International External Quality Assurance Activities Policy and the Policy on Major Change Notification for Higher Education External Quality Assurance Activities.
He noted that these frameworks enhance shared responsibility between the Authority and higher education institutions, facilitate engagement with international agencies and establish safeguards to manage risks arising from unexpected changes.
The session concluded with a presentation by Dr Iman al Numani, Director of the Institutional Quality Assurance Department, on the Authority’s efforts to achieve international recognition from the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education.
She outlined the significance of this recognition in strengthening Oman’s global standing, along with progress made, key milestones achieved and guiding standards and frameworks. She also highlighted the role of higher education institutions in the next phase of the process.
The event concluded with an open panel discussion, where participants exchanged views and raised questions on the presentations.
The discussion reflected the Authority’s continued commitment to collaboration, transparency and the advancement of higher education quality assurance in Oman.