Doha:The Minister of Education and Higher Education, Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, emphasized that quality in education extends beyond fulfilling requirements and is now connected to the impact on students, institutions, and society.
According to Qatar News Agency, during her speech at the Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education Forum in Doha, the Minister mentioned that the National Committee for Qualifications and Academic Accreditation, established in 2022, actively seeks to incorporate regional and international expertise. Currently, over half of Qatar's higher education institutions are participating in the committee's processes, whether as accredited bodies, candidates for accreditation, or those preparing self-study reports.
She highlighted that the Arab region's higher education systems serve more than 13 million students across approximately 1,200 institutions, making quality assurance a critical issue. The forum is addressing over 50 research papers, with substantial involvement from Qatari institutions, showcasing a commitment to sharing expertise and adapting to sector changes.
Discussions at the forum include reviewing quality assurance concepts and tools, with a focus on authentic assessment and academic integrity, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence. The Minister emphasized the need to measure students' learning and application of knowledge.
The forum is also considering the role of data and analytics in supporting quality assurance and academic accreditation. Tools for tracking various academic metrics are being examined to aid decision-making without replacing expert judgment.
A significant theme of the forum is shifting from compliance to assessing education's actual impact, aiming to redefine academic accreditation to continuously measure educational outcomes through modern technology.
Dr. Jokha Abdullah Hamoud Al Shukaili, President of the Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, underscored the integration of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in learning. She stressed the importance of using these technologies ethically to enhance learning and preserve academic integrity.
Professor Dr. Mazen Omar Hasna, Chairman of the National Committee for Qualifications and Academic Accreditation, noted that hosting the forum highlights Qatar's commitment to international cooperation in quality assurance. The forum featured 86 submitted research papers, with 56 accepted, and included workshops and over 500 participants, focusing on developing higher education institutions.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation in the United States, brought together experts and representatives from Arab countries and worldwide to discuss the future of academic accreditation amid technological advancements.