CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING QUALITY ASSURANCE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY IMPROVE INTERNAL EFFICIENCY IN BAYELSA STATE UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

This study examined the challenges and strategies for enhancing quality assurance (QA) to simultaneously improve internal efficiency in Bayelsa State universities. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A sample size of 301 academic staff (25 Heads of Department and 270 other teaching staff) was selected for the study through stratified random sampling technique from a population of 1,220 staff across universities in Bayelsa State. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire (CVI = 0.85; reliability coefficients = 0.82 and 0.85) and analyzed using means, standard deviations, and independent samples t-test at 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that inadequate funding (mean = 3.78), poor infrastructure (mean = 3.71), shortage of qualified staff (mean = 3.65), high staff turnover (mean = 3.59), and lack of regular training (mean = 3.54) were the most significant challenges hindering QA integration and internal efficiency. The most effective strategies identified included implementing regular staff development programs (mean = 3.81), increasing government and private funding (mean = 3.79), adopting ICT tools for data management (mean = 3.74), and improving infrastructure through targeted investments (mean = 3.69). Hypothesis testing showed no significant differences between HODs and other academic staff in their perceptions of both challenges (p = 0.157) and effective strategies (p = 0.094), indicating shared institutional experiences. The study concluded that strengthening institutional capacity, improving resource availability, and modernizing QA practices are essential for achieving sustainable internal efficiency in Bayelsa State universities.