Delivering Quality Higher Education in Puntland: Multimethod Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Quality in higher education is essential for successful learning, personal growth, career progression, and developing competent citizens for national development. Recognising this importance, a multimethod qualitative analysis was conducted to identify the pressing challenges and success factors for delivering quality higher education in Puntland. This study utilised a snapshot design using qualitative data collected from both primary and secondary sources to explore various aspects of higher education quality. Primary data were gathered through interviews and focus group discussions with university staff, students, graduates, and relevant government bodies. In contrast, secondary data were collected through reviewing documents such as policy frameworks and reports. The findings revealed significant challenges in higher education, including the absence of a higher education commission, inadequate governance structures, weak regulatory frameworks, limited funding sources, disparate Curricula, and a lack of higher education programme accreditation. Moreover, the study found the effects of declining secondary education and the absence of merit-based employment as additional challenges. The study also identified 23 critical success factors for quality higher education, categorised into organisational, academic, Learning facilities, Student support, External engagement, Institutional resilience and adaptability. Based on these findings, the paper recommends establishing a higher education commission, improving corporate governance, enhancing internal quality assurance mechanisms, harmonising higher education curricula, and enhancing secondary education quality. The need for merit-based employment practices and diversified funding sources for universities was also found necessary.