Head of the Quality Assurance Department at Azerbaijan University, Lala Abasova, and Department specialist Sakina Nadirova participated in a seminar organized by the Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (TKTA), aimed at enhancing preparedness for the accreditation process of higher education institutions (HEIs). The two-day seminar, titled “A step toward quality: preparing for the accreditation process”, was held at Baku State University and brought together 84 quality assurance professionals from 40 higher education institutions across Azerbaijan.

During the seminar’s opening ceremony, Rector of Baku State University, Elchin Babayev, and Chairman of the TKTA Board, Tural Akhmedov, addressed the participants, sharing their insights on the specific characteristics and significance of the accreditation process.

On the first day of the event, a panel discussion was held on the topic “The role of HEIs and experts in the accreditation process”. The panel featured representatives of HEIs and experts involved in accreditation process, including the head of the Quality Assurance Department at Azerbaijan University, Lala Abasova. Topics discussed included the strengths and weaknesses of HEIs observed during accreditation, the role of accreditation in fostering a quality culture within HEIs, key similarities and differences between institutional and program accreditation, the concept of accreditation as an evaluation rather than an inspection, and recommendations for preparing the self-assessment report by HEIs.

On the second day, TKTA staff facilitated open discussions with participants on the following topics: “Key factors contributing to a successful accreditation process” and “Preparing the accreditation self-assessment report: core principles and common mistakes of HEIs”.

It should be noted that the seminar’s primary objective was to strengthen the preparedness of HEIs for both institutional and program accreditation, provide them with methodological support, and facilitate the exchange of best practices essential for the effective organization of the accreditation process. In accordance with its charter, TKTA regularly conducts training and offers methodological guidance to support the accreditation of educational institutions in line with its Charter.

Public Relations Department