The self-study process is the central part of determining an institution’s eligibility and readiness for accreditation. The institution performs a comprehensive self-introspective review of its related internal and external operations that support its organizational mission and goals. This rigorous self-analysis of programmes, resources, policies, procedures, and services, among other areas of evaluation, will determine its alignment with NAECOB’s guidelines, and on a larger scale its compliance with regional and international standards in Higher Education.

Registered Institutions should begin mapping out their approach towards completing the self-study report at least two – three (2 -3) years before pursuing initial accreditation or reaccreditation. A core group of individuals, typically selected by the Institution’s CEO, who are familiar with key self-study report components, will constitute the Self-Study Steering Committee. This committee will carry out the early research and planning functions necessary to institutional accreditation readiness.

The Self-Study Report must be typed- Font Size = 12,Font-Type = Times New Roman, and Spacing = Single Spacing. The Self-Study Report should take the following format:

• Cover Page – this type of document (self-study report), includes the name of institution, address of institution, it is submitted to NAECOB’s Executive Director. (available on NAECOB’s web site)

• Preface – this section should be written by the Chief Administrative Officer, inclusive of but not limited to information on the approach and methodologies used in carrying out the self-study process (600 words or less).

• List of Self-Study Steering Committee Members – provide a list of the names, titles, and qualifications of the members making up the Institution’s Self-Study Steering Committee.

• Table of Contents – Table of contents outlining the chronological order of information presented in the Self-Study Report. Outline Headings and Subheadings and appropriate page numbers…etc.

• Executive Summary – Provide a brief description 1 – 8 page in length that highlights the present strengths, challenges and plans of action in fulfilling each accreditation standard.

• Introduction – Provide concise and comprehensive background information about the institution. Ensure to also detail the approach to be taken by the institution during the self-study and accreditation process.

• Accreditation Standards (Address each standard in a narrative format, outlining areas of compliance as transparently as areas of non-compliance).

(i)Introduce each standard and sub-standards separately; communicate the institution’s commitment to compliance.

(ii) Outline evidence-based analysis of the strengths and challenges found in fulfilling each standard and sub-standards. This must include relevant data and metrics…etc.

(iii)Outline solutions/plans of actions (currently implemented and future implementations) in addressing areas of concern that do not currently comply with standards and sub-standards. This must be demonstrable via data or other metrics of necessary resources and timelines…etc. to accomplish this.

• Conclusion – Provide a conclusion of all the findings and way forward supported by reasoning.

• Glossary – Include a glossary of reoccurring relevant terms and abbreviations germane to the institution and self-study process.

• Supplemental Documents – Ensure that all accompanying documents related to the sell-study review process are submitted by the institution.

The self-study report is mailed or hand-delivered twelve (12) weeks prior to the On-Site Visit. Each member of the determined visiting team will be mailed a bound copy of the report. The institution is also required to upload a digital copy of the report into the designated online portal. Please note that NAECOB does NOT share the submitted self-study report directly with the institution’s constituency, or any other public or private agencies. It is the responsibility of the institution to share their self-study and on-site visitation report with their internal and external stakeholders accordingly for transparency during the accreditation process.

• An On-Site Visit(s) by peer-review evaluators will be scheduled for the Candidate Institution on a date(s) determined by NAECOB.
• Candidate Institution On-Site Visitation Report is completed by NAECOB and communicated to the institution.
• Candidate Institution’s prepares a formal response to the Candidate Institution On-Site Visitation Report, focusing primarily on compliance standards violations and other areas of concern, if any.
• A decision is made on the Candidate Institution’s submission after the Self-Study Report, the Candidate Institution’s On-Site Team Visitation Report and the Candidate Institution’s Response is reviewed and verified by NAECOB.
• Via meetings and workshops, the newly Accredited Institution is informed about the expectations, periodic evaluations, visitations, and reports that will be scheduled on dates determined by NAECOB.

Institutions that meet all standards throughout the candidate institution phase will be granted Initial Accreditation for a period of five (5) years before seeking reaffirmation of accreditation.

During the reaffirmation of accreditation process, institution will submit the Compliance Certification twelve (12) months prior and Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) at least twelve (12) weeks prior to schedule reviews, off-site, and on-site visits by NAECOB

Accredited institution must also submit a comprehensive annual report outlining evidence-based data and information concerning programme and institutional data, organizational activities, and financial performance from the preceding year. This report is due JUNE of each year.