The Quality Assurance and Academic Accreditation Center, in partnership with the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Azal University for Human Development, organized the "Programmatic Accreditation Technical Support Workshop" this morning, Wednesday, October 28, 2026. This event was held in collaboration and coordination with the Council for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Higher Education (CAAQA). The workshop represents a strategic step in the university's continuous efforts to promote a comprehensive quality culture and the continuous improvement of its academic programs and outcomes.

Prof. Dr. Musaad Raqe'e Malahi, Vice President of the University, was at the forefront to receive the experts from the Academic Accreditation Council and the technical support committees upon their arrival. He welcomed them and expressed his deep appreciation for their significant efforts in supporting the university and providing the necessary technical assistance to meet accreditation requirements.

A Journey of Excellence and International Rankings

The event commenced with verses from the Holy Quran, followed by standing in respect for the National Anthem of the Republic of Yemen. Following that, Prof. Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Al-Oqaili, University President, delivered a welcoming speech affirming that academic leadership is a continuous journey of building and development. He reviewed the journey of excellence that Azal began in 2008, pointing out its uniqueness and pioneering role among Yemeni universities (public and private) in launching specialized programs that meet societal needs, such as the Midwifery and Anesthesia Technology programs, and the Specialized Nursing program, culminating in the launch of a Master's program in Midwifery.

Prof. Dr. Al-Oqaili also touched upon the achievements of the university in the realm of academic rankings. He emphasized the continued diligent efforts and institutional work to obtain prestigious global accreditations and rankings, foremost among them the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking—in addition to the local and international rankings and accreditations the university already holds—thereby enhancing the university's position and academic presence locally, regionally, and internationally.

Upcoming Launch of a Local Ranking for Yemeni Universities

For his part, Prof. Dr. Adel Mohammed Al-Matari, Chairman of the Council for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Higher Education, delivered a significant speech highlighting the pivotal role of the Council in supporting higher education institutions. Dr. Al-Matari emphasized that quality is an integrated system of values and practices, praising the cooperation and synergy between the Council and Azal University to consolidate the foundations of institutional development based on objective assessment and readiness for academic accreditation. In a related context, Dr. Al-Matari shared great news for the academic community, announcing that, God willing, a local ranking for Yemeni universities will be launched and inaugurated at the national level in the coming period, which will create positive and effective competition contributing to elevating the quality of higher education outcomes in Yemen.

Technical Sessions and Applied Workshops

Following the opening session, the technical and scientific session presented by the Council's experts commenced. The session addressed two main themes focusing on the "Standardized Structure for Academic Accreditation and the Methodology for Preparing the Self-Evaluation Report," and reviewed the most prominent challenges facing academic programs in the accreditation process.

The workshop concluded by transitioning to applied working sessions, where the university's academic task forces divided up, in coordination with the Council's experts and facilitators, to discuss the eight standards of programmatic accreditation. These standards included:

• Program Mission, Goals, and Learning Outcomes.
• Academic Program and Curricula.
• Program Administration.
• Faculty Members and Students.
• Facilities, Infrastructure, and Financial Resources.
• Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement.

This was aimed at identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement to ensure the highest levels of academic and institutional quality.