THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TECHNICAL AND VOCATION EDUCATION QUALITY ASSURANCE TRAINING FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS
Content Quality assurance in technical education institutions Internal Quality Assurance Framework Operationalization of the internal quality assurance framework TVET Quality standards Categorization and integration of TVET quality standards The role of the quality assurance officer of the technical institution Recommended tools for internal quality evaluation processes
QUALITY ASSURANCE IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS Quality Assurance Quality assurance within technical education refers to coordinated and integrated internal and external mechanisms that promote continuous improvement in the provision and outcomes of technical education Quality Technical Education Quality technical education is the provision of education and training that equip students with the competencies necessary to effectively integrate into and perform within the labor market
Internal Quality Assurance Framework Quality Assurance Framework is an integrated structure of policies, standards, processes, and evaluation mechanisms designed to ensure accountability, enhance performance, and promote continuous improvement in the delivery and outcomes of technical education
Components of the Internal Quality Assurance Framework
OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE FRAMEWORK IN TET INSTITUTIONS The effective implementation of a quality assurance (QA) framework within technical institutions requires : structured governance mechanisms, stakeholder involvement, and systematic processes .
Th e operationalization of IQA framework ensures that administrative and academic standards are translated into measurable performance outcomes and continuous improvement initiatives by: Align national quality assurance policies and standards with institutional internal quality assurance policies and standards Design and establish quality assurance mechanisms through identified activities, documented procedures and processes that ensure systematic and periodic assessment and evaluations of the services provided by the institution against established internal and external quality standards Establish a clear reporting procedure and implementation plan of internal quality assurance recommendations and a coherent feedback mechanism. Create a quality supportive environment by ensuring leadership support and commitment
TVET QUALITY STANDARDS Currently there are five major TET standards to guide technical institutions in their internal quality assurance activities: Standard 1: Strategy, Governance and Management Standard 2: Human Resources Standard 3: TVET Programs Standard 4: Trainee Services Standard 5: Physical Resources Institutions are strongly encouraged to exceed these baseline requirements by aligning their internal systems and practices with industry-specific quality needs relevant to the programmes they offer
CATEGORIZATION AND INTEGRATION OF TVET QUALITY STANDARDS To strengthen the application and practical utility of TVET quality standards, institutions are encouraged to adopt a systematic approach that includes categorization and integration of the standards, thereby ensuring smooth and effective operationalization across all institutional processes . CATEGORIES OF QUALITY STANDARDS ( i ) Administrative Standards These focus on institutional governance and management processes necessary for effective operations. They cover areas such as institutional leadership and governance, financial management, human resource management, infrastructure and facilities, and internal quality assurance systems. (ii) Programme/Academic Standards These focus on academic delivery and learning outcomes. They include curriculum design and review, teaching and learning processes, student assessment, research and innovation, industry linkages, and student support services.
Summary Guide for the Categorization of Technical Institution Quality Standards Table 1: Administrative Standards Standard Summary Description Governance and Management Focuses on legal establishment, leadership structure, strategic planning, and decision-making processes. Human Resource Management Covers recruitment, deployment, qualifications, performance appraisal, staff development, and welfare. Infrastructure and Physical Resources Assesses adequacy and maintenance of physical facilities such as classrooms, workshops, offices, libraries, sanitation, etc. Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Evaluates systems for monitoring and improving institutional performance and service delivery. Financial Management and Sustainability Reviews budgeting, accounting, audits, and financial policies ensuring transparency and sustainability. Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Examines institutional preparedness for emergencies, cleanliness, safety protocols, and environmental practices. Legal and Regulatory Compliance Checks compliance with national laws and regulations related to registration, accreditation, and certification. Trainee/ Student Support Services Reviews academic and non-academic services provided to support student well-being and success.
Summary Guide for the Categorization of Technical Institution Quality Standards Table 2: Academic Standards Standard Summary Description Teaching and Learning Resources Covers the adequacy of textbooks, teaching aids, ICT, and reference materials aligned with CBET. Curriculum Implementation Assesses curriculum validity, relevance and alignment with current industry needs, lesson plans, timetables, delivery methods, practical training, and student assessments. Industry Linkages and Collaboration Evaluates engagement with employers and industry partners for relevance, attachments, and employability.
Noting: Some standards like Student Support Services or Internal Quality Assurance may touch both administrative and academic aspects but are categorized based on dominant function. This grouping is useful for structuring institutional self-assessments , audits , capacity-building programs , or report presentations .
Integration of Administrative and Academic Standards To ensure effectiveness, the IQA framework should integrate administrative and programme standards. This integration provides a holistic approach where both operational efficiency and academic excellence are achieved.
THE ROLE OF THE QUALITY ASSURANCE OFFICER OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTION ( i ) Coordinate Quality Assurance Activities Develop and implement internal quality assurance systems, tools, and schedules. Ensure that all departments follow quality assurance procedures aligned with national standards (ii) Monitor Compliance with Institutional Standards Regularly assess institutional compliance with TVET quality standards, including governance, staffing, infrastructure, teaching, and student support. Track and report on key performance indicators ( KPIs ). (iii) Conduct Internal Audits and Evaluations Organize periodic internal quality audits across departments and campuses. Identify gaps, risks, and non-compliance issues and propose corrective actions.
THE ROLE OF THE QUALITY ASSURANCE OFFICER OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTION (iv) Develop and Review Policies and Guidelines Assist in the development, implementation, and periodic review of institutional policies related to quality assurance. Ensure all academic and administrative policies are up to date and aligned with national regulatory requirements. (v) Coordinate Self-Assessment Reports (SARs) Guide departments in preparing institutional self-assessment reports for accreditation or external audits. Consolidate evidence and support documentation for external quality evaluations. (vi) Capacity Building and Sensitization Train and sensitize staff on quality assurance concepts, standards, tools, and best practices. Promote a culture of quality across the institution.
THE ROLE OF THE QUALITY ASSURANCE OFFICER OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTION (vii) Report to Management and Governing Board Submit regular reports on quality assurance findings, institutional performance, and areas for improvement. Participate in management meetings and advise leadership on quality-related matters. (viii) Follow-Up on Action Plans Monitor implementation of recommendations from internal/external audits, inspections, or board directives. Track progress on improvement plans and ensure timelines are met. (ix) Support Curriculum Review and Implementation Ensure that curriculum implementation is aligned with CBET principles and national frameworks. Verify availability of teaching and learning resources and monitor their use in the delivery process. (x) Liaise with External Quality Bodies Act as the focal point for communication and coordination with NACTVET and other accrediting/regulatory agencies regarding quality issues.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS FOR INTERNAL QUALITY EVALUATION PROCESSES Quality Assurance Policy A high-level statement of the institution’s commitment to quality, outlining its philosophy, principles, and general framework for assuring and enhancing quality across all institutional functions. Internal Quality Assurance Manual (IQAM) An operational document that provides detailed procedures, tools, and methods for implementing the QA policy within the institution. It guides staff on how QA activities are carried out on a day-to-day basis. Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Toolkit This IQA toolkit help quality assurance officer of the technical institution to have well planned, organized and coordinated internal quality assurance activities while complying with TVET established guidelines and standards.
Guiding Documents Planning Tools Tool Purpose Format Institutional QA Policy Local QA policy aligned with national standards Word/PDF IQA Manual Guides internal QA systems, structure, and responsibilities PDF/Word NACTVET QA Standards Reference for compliance and evaluation PDF Tool Purpose Format Annual QA Work Plan Outlines scheduled QA activities and timelines Excel/Word Strategic Plan Alignment Checklist Ensures QA goals align with institutional goals Word Risk Matrix Identifies and prioritizes quality risks Excel
Audit and Evaluation Tools Monitoring and Reporting Tools Tool Purpose Format Internal Audit Checklist For academic, administrative, and facility audits Word/Excel Departmental Self-Assessment Template Allows departments to conduct internal reviews Word Classroom Observation Form To assess teaching and learning quality Word Staff Performance Evaluation Tool Monitors staff competence and delivery Word Tool Purpose Format Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework Tracks implementation of IQA plans Excel/Word KPI Tracker Monitors key performance indicators Excel Non-Compliance Report Template Reports areas not meeting standards Word Corrective Action Plan (CAP) Template Documents agreed improvements Word/Excel
Internal Quality Assurance Risk Matrix The quality assurance risk matrix is a tool used by QA officer to identify and mitigate potential risks related to quality assurance before they appear. QA RISK MATRIX Risk ID Risk Description Likelihood Impact Risk Rating (L x I) Risk Level Mitigation Measures Responsible Officer R01 Non-compliance with TVET QA standards High (3) High (3) 9 High Regular internal audits, staff QA training, compliance checklist IQA Officer R02 Outdated curriculum not aligned with industry needs High (3) High (3) 9 High Curriculum review circle, industry consultation Head of Department R03 Inadequate teaching and learning infrastructure High (3) Medium (2) 6 Moderate Infrastructure development plan, resource mobilization Campus Director R04 Low student satisfaction or feedback Medium (2) Medium (2) 4 Moderate Regular student surveys, establish student grievance committee QA Focal Person/Dean of students R05 Poor staff performance due to lack of capacity Medium (2) High (3) 6 Moderate Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes HR Officer R06 Incomplete or inaccurate institutional data for decision making Low (1) High (3) 3 Low Establish MIS, regular data verification M&E Officer / Registrar
Quality Assurance Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Tracker KPI ID Key Performance Indicator Target Actual (Q1) Actual (Q2) Actual (Q3) Actual (Q4) Responsible Unit Status KPI-001 Percentage of students passing final exams ≥ 85% 80% 88% TBD TBD (to be determined Academic On Track KPI-002 Number of accredited programmes 100% 90% 100% TBD TBD Quality Assurance Office Achieved KPI-003 Staff training sessions conducted per year ≥ 4 sessions 2 sessions 3 sessions TBD TBD HR Department In Progress KPI-004 Average student satisfaction score (%) ≥ 75% 70% 76% TBD TBD QA Office / Student Affairs On Track
When we know what we want….and decide to act accordingly…… We will achieve it! TVET quality is possible Thank you for Listening