The Global Quality Assurance Association (GQAA) hosted a 21-member delegation from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria for a 3-day training workshop that ended with an excursion on the last day. The workshop themed, “Quality Assurance in Higher and Tertiary Education: i.Leadership and Management, ii. Blended Teaching and Learning, iii. Research and Innovation,” was held at Miklin Hotel from the 25th – 27th February 2025 in Accra – Ghana. On the 28th of February 2025, there was an excursion to Akosombo town in the Volta Region of Ghana. The leadership of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria including the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Raymond Bako, Deans, the Bursar, Directors and Deputy Directors, was in attendance during the training workshop conducted by Dr. Violet Makuku (GQAA Director) and Miss Tariro Munodawafa (Operations Manager).
The Ahmadu Bello University delegation poses with the GQAA team after being awarded certificates upon completion of their capacity building training at Miklin Hotel, Accra- Ghana.
Background
Before proceeding with this article, one might be asking questions about Ahmadu Bello University. To briefly introduce the university to our audience, it is a public research university located in Zaria, Kaduna State of Nigeria. The university was founded in 1962 and to-date, has 4 colleges, 3 schools, 18 faculties, 110 academic departments, 17 centers and 7 institutions with around 600 professors, 3000+ academic staff, over 7000 non-teaching staff and over 400 post graduate programs.
Moving forward, the dignitaries who arrived in Accra- Ghana from Nigeria on the 24th of February 2025 all attended the event on the first day of the workshop, 28 February 2025. Everyone was on time for registration, and as per the GQAA’s norm, the Ahmadu Bello University registered dignitaries were provided with branded laptop bags, golf t-shirts, notepads, stickers, event program and accreditation tags to kickstart the training. Without wasting any time, Dr Violet Makuku gave the welcome and opening remarks officially launching the start of the 3-day workshop. A round of individual introductions followed, with persons stating their full names and position they occupy at Ahmadu Bello University and the GQAA.
The next segment saw the GQAA Director do an introduction on the formation and the work of the Global Quality Assurance Association across Ghana, Africa and the world, at large.
Mentioning the collaborations, past, present and future projects, workshops and other activities aligned with the vision and mission of the organization. To take the dignitaries through the first day, Dr. Violet Makuku delved into exploring the topic of building a quality culture and continuous improvement and robust quality management systems. This was accompanied by a highly engaging activity seeing the delegates forming groups and presenting their findings after some discussions.
Ahmadu Bello University dignitaries having a discussion in a group of 4 at Miklin Hotel, Accra- Ghana
Other topics explored on the first day of the workshop included:
I. The need for Quality Assurance for Leaders and Managers
Ii. Leadership and management
Iii. The global understanding of quality and quality assurance for maximum benefit (savings,
efficiency & early detection).
Day 2 of the workshop began well on time with a recap of the previous day’s sessions. Every dignitary picked their favourite take home from previous sessions and shared a key lesson drawn from it. Gracing the second day of the training was the outgoing Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala. He had some engagements in Nigeria and chose to follow through and attend the workshop regardless, proving his dedication and resilience to the cause. This was done with group tasks involved. The VC also made remarks mentioning the importance of localizing curricula to fit our day-to-day education and address our local challenges. The topics which were covered included:
I. Key pillars of good leadership
Ii. Rethinking education and learning in the 21st century
Iii. The adoption and use of ICTs, AI and digitalization for efficient and cost-effective leadership
and management.
During the 3rd and last day of the training, delegates wore the GQAA branded golf t-shirts and one could see dots of purple, white and gold across the room, depicting the GQAA corporate colours. The main focus was on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Research and Innovation: Contemporary and Trending Issues. Other activities included the trophy and certificate awarding ceremonies, the submission of individual action plans and the group photos. During the last segment of the event, the VC, Prof. Kabiru Bala was awarded as the best male for selecting personnel at different levels from different university sectors. Mrs. Fatima Ibrahim was awarded the second trophy for her high levels of participation throughout the workshop. Every dignitary received their certificate during the certificate awarding ceremony.
Mrs. Ibrahim receiving her trophy from the DVC of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Baako and the GQAA Director, Dr. Makuku.
Prof. Kabiru Bala, VC of Ahmadu Bello University receiving his trophy from the GQAA Director, Dr. Violet Makuku and the DVC, Prof. Baako
On the 28th of February 2025, the team embarked on an excursion to Akosombo, a town in the Eastern region. The trip started from Accra around 9:00am and arrived in Akosombo around midday with a stop along the way for pictures. Upon arrival in Akosombo, the first activity was a boat ride on the river Akosombo through the bridge to the 4 islands. The ride was fascinating with breathtaking scenery of nature, villagers, resorts and fishermen. After the ride, it was time for lunch that was served at Bridgeview Resort, a beautiful resort on top of the mountain facing the Akosombo River and a clear view of the Akosombo bridge. It was a highly memorable event for the dignitaries.
The Team on a boat cruise along Akosombo River, Ghana
The Team waiting for their orders at Bridgeview Resort after the boat cruise.
The Team posing for a picture at Bridgeview Resort after having lunch with heavy rainfall approaching
