The Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) celebrated its 20th anniversary on Saturday, marking two decades of promoting quality assurance and safeguarding standards in higher education.
The milestone was commemorated during a gala at the Admiral Lord Nelson’s Ballroom at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort, where government officials, board members, educators and other stakeholders reflected on the Board’s role in strengthening the country’s education system since its establishment.
Chairman Clare Browne said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the commitment of current and former board members and staff whose work has helped build confidence in Antigua and Barbuda’s higher education sector.
“Quality assurance is a continuous cultivation of a culture of excellence,” Browne said, adding that the Board’s work extends far beyond regulatory oversight.
“Quality assurance transcends bureaucracy and compliance. It is about nurturing excellence, strengthening institutions, protecting students, and ensuring that education remains a powerful instrument of national transformation,” he told attendees.
Education Minister Daryll Matthew commended ABNAB for maintaining rigorous standards across tertiary institutions and academic programmes, describing accreditation as increasingly important as more Antiguans and Barbudans pursue higher education both at home and overseas.
He said accreditation provides assurance that qualifications meet internationally recognised standards, giving employers greater confidence in graduates while protecting the value and integrity of academic credentials.
Matthew also encouraged students, parents and educational institutions to make greater use of the Board’s services, noting that a robust accreditation system benefits the wider society by ensuring graduates possess qualifications that are respected nationally and internationally.
The gala celebrated ABNAB’s achievements over the past 20 years while reaffirming its commitment to advancing quality assurance, supporting educational excellence and protecting the interests of students in Antigua and Barbuda.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: ABNAB Marks 20 Years of Strengthening Quality Assurance in Higher Education.