Investigating The Factors Affecting Compliance with The Higher Education Regulations by Private Higher Education Institutions In Eswatini

Abstract

Higher education regulations have turned out to be multifaceted and strict in recent years, compelling Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) to allocate substantial resources to ensure compliance with the regulations. Compliance with the regulations is a mandatory requirement for all higher education institutions in Eswatini whether private or public. Using the Octet Quality Theory, and the mixed research approach method, this study sought to establish the effects of higher education regulations on PHEIs compliance with the requirements in Eswatini. Data was collected through the questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. Interpretative analysis was used to process qualitative data while the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyse quantitative data. The findings of the study revealed that the PHEIs heeded to the call for registration even though they were confronted by several challenges in fulfilling the minimum requirements in respect of accreditation with the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC). The registration process was found to be cumbersome, which added to the staff workload and imposed a cost burden on the institutions. The study recommends a development of a higher education policy, review of fees and regulations. The study recommends the development of a higher edcuation policy as this document will guide ESEC on the implememntations of regulatory frame work in a manner that promotes compliance to the regulations by PHEIs. The study recommends relaxation (without compromising quality) of the regulations on infrastructure as this will help PHEIs channel more funds on teaching and learning thus increasing complaince to the regulations. Finally the study recommends that fees are reviewed as this will encourage complaince to the regulations by PHEIs.