Opening Address by the President of the West African Anglophone Quality Assurance Network (WAAQAN) at the Opening Ceremony of The Third WAAQAN International Conference held at University of Makeni, Makeni City, Sierra Leone

Abstract

Prof. Kayode S. Adekeye, President of WAAQAN, opened the Third WAAQAN International Conference by highlighting the need to strengthen quality assurance systems to drive transformation in African higher education. He reflected on WAAQAN’s role in promoting collaboration, capacity building, and a culture of institutional quality across Anglophone West Africa. He emphasised that digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and evolving societal demands require higher education institutions to move beyond compliance towards quality systems that promote innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. He called for responsible technology integration, stronger regional collaboration, and the development of graduates equipped with the skills and values needed to contribute to Africa’s future