Role of Quality Assurance in Improving Quality of Higher Education in Sierra Leone: A Literature Review

Abstract

Quality assurance (QA) has emerged as a critical mechanism for ensuring the effectiveness and competitiveness of higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide. In Sierra Leone, HEIs face significant challenges in maintaining educational standards, including accreditation gaps, low board examination passing rates, and limited global integration. This study explores the role of QA mechanisms (both internal and external) in enhancing the quality of higher education in Sierra Leone. Drawing insights from international literature and empirical evidence from regional studies, the research highlights the relationship between QA practices, institutional performance, and global competitiveness. Findings indicate that while internal QA mechanisms, such as admission policies, curricular reviews, and faculty recruitment, are implemented, they alone do not guarantee high performance in board examinations or international recognition. Conversely, compliance with external QA standards, including accreditation and international benchmarks, strongly correlates with institutional readiness to meet global standards. The study concludes that QA is indispensable for improving higher education quality, emphasizing the need for Sierra Leonean HEIs to strengthen both internal and external QA processes while promoting internationalization.