Introduction 

Institutional quality enhancement is at the center of core activities of higher education institutions. Higher Education Academic Program and Curriculum Design, review and approval Directive No 917/ 2022, Any Higher education program review shall give attention to Ethiopian educational qualification framework, academic program accreditation strategy. Regarding the focus of the internal quality enhancement system, the proclamation states that all institutions must provide clear and comprehensive quality improvement measures covering the professional development of academics, course contents, learning and teaching processes, student assessment, evaluation and grading systems. Based on this national legal framework and institutional context, ASTU has established an internal quality assurance system called Educational Quality Enhancement Directorate (EQED) previously known as the Academic Standard and Quality Assurance Directorate. EQED is ASTU’s internal quality assurance organ, which is currently accountable to the University Academic Vice President. The directorate is mandated to oversee all activities relevant to the three pillars of higher education, namely, teaching, research and community services.

In the light of this, EQED is responsible for ensuring all educational and administrative services delivered by ASTU are aligned with its Vision and Mission through practicing the promises postulated as its core values and standards. For ASTU to successfully discharge its duties and responsibilities of delivering quality education, undertake problem-solving research, and provide community services, integrated and standard quality service delivery is required in all aspects of its functions particularly in terms of maintaining quality in both theoretical and practical aspects of engineering and science education, establishing quality laboratories, facilities and student support system, enhancing the professional and pedagogical competence of faculties, and engaging in applied research and community outreach. Among the more specific activities that could be performed by EQED are:

• Organizing awareness and capacity building training to faculties and students;
• Ensuring all relevant activities and endeavors of ASTU are geared towards ABET and ETA accreditation;
• Monitoring course completion and attainments of CLOs, PO and PEO audit for undergraduate programs;
• Assessing and evaluating the infrastructure and laboratory standards of programs;
• Conducting an annual institutional audit report as per the requirements of Education and Training Authority (ETA);
• Developing strategies and goals that would enhance education quality of the programs and courses in each college;
• Conducting a diagnostic assessment on the existing internal educational quality and assurance system in ASTU;
• Developing an institutional educational quality enhancement policy, working guidelines, and key performance indicators;
• Preparation of flyers, guidelines and strategies to discharge its responsibilities to the program levels;
• Organize training on ISO quality management system 9001:2015 and follow up the process for certificate.

                                        Vision

To be a leading institution in educational excellence through robust quality assurance systems that enhance teaching, learning, research, and community engagement.

                                     Mission Statements of the office

• Ensuring Academic Excellence through Continuous Quality Improvement
• Driving Institutional Success with Quality Standards
• Promoting Excellence through Quality and Innovation
• Building a Culture of Quality and Accountability