QAA signs Memorandum of Understanding with NBAQ, State of Kuwait

QAA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Bureau for Academic Accreditation and Education Quality Assurance (NBAQ). NBAQ was established in 2010 with the aim of improving the quality of higher education in the State of Kuwait.

The MoU supports increased collaboration between both organisations on shared programmes of activity, recognising their comparable missions in the assurance of quality in higher education. Through the agreement, both agencies aim to share information about developments in their respective country’s higher education system which could potentially aid the development of transnational education (TNE) partnerships and enhance student mobility.

This partnership will support QAA in sharing intelligence with its International Insights Members and fostering a positive environment for developing TNE opportunities in the State of Kuwait. QAA will also support capacity building among NBAQ staff and reviewers, particularly for accreditation activity, and aid NBAQ in their approach to external examiners for Kuwaiti institutions.

Speaking upon signing the agreement, Vicki Stott, QAA’s Acting Chief Executive, said: ‘This is an important agreement for QAA, further cementing our partnership with NBAQ. Through this MoU, we hope to support NBAQ with their mission of improving quality in the State of Kuwait and to further the development of UK/Kuwaiti collaborations and partnerships in higher education.’

Dr Hamad Al Adwani, Director of NBAQ, said: ‘The signing of the MOU stems from the distinguished relations between the two countries, and the desire of NBAQ and QAA to cooperate, as the agreement came to work to enhance the understanding of the two sides’ approach to quality assurance in higher education. The cooperation aims to achieve tangible contribution in capacity building of NBAQ’s employees and provide resources for local accreditation processes and activities carried out by NBAQ. It also covers other mutually agreed topics related to ensuring the quality of education across borders.’

Michael Gordon, Country Director for Kuwait, British Council, said: ‘We are delighted at the signing of this MOU, as it demonstrates the mutual trust between the higher education quality assurance agencies of both our countries.’

The agreement will last for a period of three years, with the potential of an extension for a further three years upon the agreement of both parties.