The Views of PHEIs on the Accreditation Practice in Ethiopia

Abstract

Accreditation of Private Higher Education Institutions is a worldwide practice undertaken in order to ensure quality and institutional integrity through a comprehensive review process. The benefits that this practice has by way of providing an assurance of quality to students, parents and the public at large is well-established. However, the manner in which it is conducted, the methods and principles of accreditation used, and the processes through which an institution must pass before being accredited could be different from one country to another. This paper purports to explore worldwide practices with a specific focus on the accreditation process in Ethiopia. With regard to the Ethiopian scenario, an attempt has been made to gauge the attitudes of highranking officials in PHEIs about the current practice of accreditation. The results obtained are discussed and suggestions are forwarded in light with the major elements identified.