The Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) has celebrated two decades of promoting quality assurance in higher education, marking its 20th anniversary with a gala that honoured the institution's contributions to the country's education system.
The anniversary celebration took place Saturday at Admiral Lord Nelson's Ballroom at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort, bringing together officials from the Ministry of Education, board members, representatives of educational institutions, and other stakeholders.
Board Chairman Clare Browne used the occasion to acknowledge the dedication of board members and staff whose work, he noted, often goes unrecognised despite its national importance. He described quality assurance as far more than a regulatory exercise.
"Quality assurance is a continuous cultivation of a culture of excellence," Browne told attendees. "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."
Minister of Education Daryll Matthew also praised the Board's work, highlighting its role in maintaining high standards across higher education programmes and institutions. He noted that accreditation is growing in importance as more Antiguans and Barbudans pursue tertiary education both locally and abroad, ensuring that qualifications earned meet internationally recognised standards.
Matthew encouraged students, parents, and educational institutions to make greater use of the Board's services, stressing that accreditation provides confidence to employers and helps preserve the integrity and value of academic qualifications. A strong accreditation system, he said, ultimately benefits the country by producing graduates whose credentials are trusted and respected at home and internationally.
The gala served as both a celebration of ABNAB's achievements over the past 20 years and a reaffirmation of its commitment to educational excellence and the protection of students' interests across Antigua and Barbuda.
