A new National Assessment Policy for the Higher Education Sub-sector in Lesotho is taking shape with support from the Commonwealth of Learning (COL). The policy, currently in draft form developed by the Malawi Council on Higher Education (CHE), represents a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance quality assurance and promote consistency in assessment practices across its higher education system.

The two-day policy development workshop in Maseru brought together representatives from the CHE, higher education institutions, regulatory and professional bodies, and student councils.

Day 1 featured presentations on existing assessment practices, with institutions sharing examples of their internal policies. In the afternoon, participants collaborated to outline the initial structure of the policy. Day 2 focused on refining the draft framework through group work, addressing key components such as guiding principles, implementation mechanisms, and regulatory considerations. Discussions were informed by regional best practices and aimed at achieving alignment with national quality assurance goals.

Introductory remarks were presented on behalf of COL by Dr Jako Olivier, Adviser: Higher Education, followed by a keynote address from Dr Lits’abako Ntoi, Chief Executive of CHE. Dr Ntoi reflected on the ongoing collaboration between CHE and COL, acknowledged the value of the partnership, and elaborated on the broader national context and objectives underpinning the development of the new policy.

Dr Olivier observed that the draft policy incorporates contemporary educational considerations, including open and distance learning (ODL), authentic and multimodal assessment practices, micro-credentials, and the implications of generative artificial intelligence in assessment.

Following its initial drafting, the policy will undergo further refinement and validation, both internally and externally, to ensure broad consensus and alignment with national and regional educational goals.

This activity underscores COL’s ongoing commitment to support Commonwealth member states in building robust, equitable, and future-ready education systems.