Some unresolved quality concerns in Cameroonian higher education resulting from the negligence of adopting the Bologna Process Quality Assurance (QA) agenda

Abstract

In 1999, the European Bologna Process reinforced quality assurance (QA) in higher education (HE). While Cameroon is a signatory non-member state of the Bologna Process, many unresolved quality concerns in its HE system still exist because the Bologna Process has been adopted on an a-la-cartebasis whereby some action lines have been adopted while others have not – for instance QA. In Cameroonian HE,QA is a neglected pillar of the Bologna Process. This article examines some undisclosed quality concerns regarding Cameroonian HE in the advent of the Bologna Process. The study employs a qualitative research design using interviews and focus group discussions. Findings present quality concerns regarding: the lack of adequate educational resources; periodic monitoring, follow up/mentoring; student admission; and university ranking. The paper suggests a reconsideration of the Bologna Process in Cameroonian HE as a process and not an event with more action lines adopted such as QA; and the use of Total Quality Management (TQM) principles as workable strategies used in solving quality concerns in HE.