Seeking ABET Accreditation for Computing Programmes in Africa: A Case Study of UNAM’s BSc in Computer Science

Abstract

ABET is the worldwide leader in accrediting pro-grams in computing, engineering, applied and natural sciences, and engineering technology. Only four of 54 countries in Africa have programmes which achieved ABET accreditation. During COVID-19 and in times of intense competition, it has become especially important for institutions to distinguish their programs as having high quality. Using the University of Namibia’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science as a case study, we use a systematic methodology to evaluate and analyse the programme in a detailed, step-by-step, easy-to-understand manner. We evaluate this program with respect to ABET’s General Criteria and then examine how well it does against ABET’s Program Criteria in computer science. Our aim is to pinpoint shortcomings and solutions. The results for the selected program, despite ticking positives for a number of criterion, show the need for considerable work to meet ABET accreditation. Our research stands to inspire university programs in Africa to strive for ABET accreditation as a way of distinguishing themselves.