Abstract
Abstract The idea of integrated approach to quality assurance has been advanced as the best model to balance accountability and improvement orientation of quality in higher education. However, this quality assurance model has been approached delicately partly due to the perceived conflicting relationship between internal and external quality assurance systems, and the propensity of this relationship to create tensions and conflicts rather than harmony and alignment in quality assurance governance structures. This research seeks to explore the relationship between internal and external quality assurance system, as a way of understanding how this relationship affect integration of the two systems. The study thus, attempts to develop an approach to holistic implementation of quality assurance using Johan P. Olsen (2007) four governance models as the theoretical foundation. Using deductive research approach, the study is built on three hypothetical assumptions: (i) Quality assurance is a steering instrument for governance of higher education institutions. (ii) The co-existence of internal and external quality assurance creates tensions within higher education institutions. (iii) Desired quality is achieved when both internal and external systems are aligned to the governance system within which they operate, and also, appropriately coordinated in an integrated manner. The study employed qualitative research strategy, using semi-structured interviews and document analysis as data collection instruments to aid the study answer the research questions. Findings of the research to a very large extent confirm the theoretical assumption made. The study thus, proposes that, integrated approach to quality assurance should be two-step process. Firstly, there is the need for the governance structure of the two quality assurance systems (internal and external) to be properly aligned to conform to the respective internal governance structures before they are integrated on a common platform that promote independence, responsibility and accountability. This is because whilst the study recognizes the need for the universities to have control over internal quality process, there is still the need for universities to be responsible and externally accountable for their own internal quality assurance strategies.