الهيئة العمانية للاعتماد الأكاديمي وضمان جودة التعليم

Overview

The Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA), established by Royal Decree No. 9/2021, is an autonomous government agency responsible for overseeing the quality and standards of education in the Sultanate of Oman. Operating under the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, OAAAQA ensures that educational institutions meet national and international benchmarks through rigorous accreditation processes and quality assurance mechanisms.

History and Legal Framework

OAAAQA was originally founded as the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA) in 2001 under Royal Decree No. 54/2010. In January 2021, the authority was restructured and renamed to reflect its expanded mandate, which now includes the quality assurance of school education in addition to higher education. The reorganization aimed to enhance the authority's role in guiding and supporting the education sector to meet national priorities while maintaining internationally recognized standards.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

According to OAAAQA, the authority's mission is to guide and support the education sector in Oman to meet relevant national priorities and objectives while maintaining internationally benchmarked standards. Its vision is to assure the world of the quality of education in Oman. The authority's objectives include:

• Implementing quality assurance systems for educational institutions.
• Conducting institutional and program accreditation processes.
• Developing and updating the National Qualifications Framework in collaboration with relevant authorities.
• Promoting a culture of continuous improvement within educational institutions.
• Ensuring alignment with international best practices in education quality assurance.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

OAAAQA operates as an independent public organization, governed by a Board of Directors chaired by the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. The authority's executive operations are led by a Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jokha bint Abdullah Al Shukaili. This governance structure ensures that OAAAQA can function impartially and effectively in overseeing the quality of education across Oman.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

OAAAQA plays a pivotal role in the accreditation and quality evaluation of higher education institutions in Oman. The authority establishes standards and procedures for institutional and program accreditation, conducts quality audits, and provides recommendations for institutional development. These processes aim to ensure that higher education institutions deliver quality education that meets national and international standards, thereby enhancing the overall educational landscape of Oman.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

OAAAQA actively engages in international cooperation to align its practices with global standards and share best practices. The authority is a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) and collaborates with various regional and international organizations to promote quality assurance in higher education. Through these partnerships, OAAAQA contributes to the development of regional and international quality assurance frameworks and enhances the global recognition of Oman's education system.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking ahead, OAAAQA aims to continue its role as a leading advocate for quality education in Oman. The authority plans to further refine its accreditation processes, incorporate emerging trends in education, and strengthen its international collaborations to support the evolving needs of the higher education sector. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring alignment with international standards, OAAAQA contributes to the enhancement of educational quality and the global competitiveness of Oman's higher education institutions.

Summary

The Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education is a cornerstone institution in Oman's educational landscape, dedicated to ensuring the quality and standards of education through comprehensive accreditation and quality assurance processes. Established by Royal Decree No. 9/2021, OAAAQA operates as an independent public organization with a mission to guide and support the education sector in meeting national priorities while maintaining internationally recognized standards. Through its ongoing efforts, OAAAQA plays a vital role in shaping the future of education in Oman.

FAQs

1. What is OAAAQA?

   OAAAQA is the Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education, an autonomous government agency responsible for overseeing the quality and standards of education in Oman.

2. When was OAAAQA established?

   OAAAQA was established by Royal Decree No. 9/2021, which restructured and renamed the previously existing Oman Academic Accreditation Authority.

3. What is the role of OAAAQA in higher education?

   OAAAQA is responsible for accrediting higher education institutions and programs, conducting quality audits, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement within the education sector.

4. Is OAAAQA involved in school education?

   Yes, following its restructuring in 2021, OAAAQA's mandate was expanded to include the quality assurance of school education in addition to higher education.

5. Does OAAAQA collaborate internationally?

   Yes, OAAAQA is a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) and collaborates with various regional and international organizations to promote quality assurance in education.

Organization Name

الهيئة العمانية للاعتماد الأكاديمي وضمان جودة التعليم

Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education

Acronym

OAAAQA

Year of Establishment

2001

Control Type

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Building Number 1/420, Complex 310, Street number 1005
Seeb
H5QW+3R4 Muscat Oman

Phone

+968 2412 1600

Fax

+968 2451 4121

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education's Wikipedia article

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