Kigali, Rwanda — Grace Patrick Kihumulo, the Managing Director of Grick International Management Institute (GIMI), has been elected Secretary General of the East African Higher Education Quality Assurance Network (EAQAN), a regional body working to strengthen quality assurance and harmonisation in higher education across East Africa.
Kihumulo, who is also the founding President and legal representative of EAQAN’s Rwanda national chapter, succeeds Dr Amaal Kinene Nsereko of Uganda, whose tenure contributed to advancing the Network’s regional quality assurance agenda and strengthening collaboration among quality assurance practitioners across East Africa.
His election took place during the 14th EAQAN Annual General Meeting on September 10, 2026, held as part of the 15th East African Higher Education Quality Assurance Forum and Conference.
Held in Kigali from September 7–10 under the theme “Transforming Quality Assurance for Future-Ready Higher Education Systems in East Africa,” the conference brought together university leaders, regulators, academics and quality assurance practitioners from across the region.
A Regional Mandate
Kihumulo’s election places him at the centre of regional efforts to strengthen cooperation among higher education institutions and quality assurance agencies, promote common standards, facilitate recognition of qualifications and support greater student and graduate mobility.
Headquartered in Kampala, Uganda, EAQAN brings together quality assurance practitioners, higher education institutions and other stakeholders to enhance the quality of higher education through collaboration, capacity building, research, knowledge sharing and the dissemination of good quality assurance practices.
Priorities: Capacity and Professionalisation
Speaking after his election, Kihumulo thanked members of the Network for the confidence placed in him and said his priorities would include strengthening the capacity and professionalisation of quality assurance practitioners across the region.
“My focus will be on translating EAQAN’s strategic ambition into practical action, with a strong emphasis on building the capacity and professionalising quality assurance practitioners across East Africa,” Kihumulo said.
“We need to strengthen professional standards and competencies, promote continuous development, peer learning and cross-border peer review, and support evidence-based quality assurance practices. We must also work closely with IUCEA, the EAC and national commissions and councils to advance harmonisation and make the East African Common Higher Education Area a practical reality across our institutions and borders.”
He also emphasised the need for closer collaboration among higher education institutions, regulators and other stakeholders, noting that stronger partnerships and professional networks would help build institutional capacity and translate regional policies and frameworks into tangible improvements in higher education delivery and student outcomes.