Academic Affairs Secretariat

 

 Welcome Note from the Dean

I am pleased to welcome you to the website of the National University Sudan (NUSU). As a chief academic secretary/ officer of NUSU, I am responsible for providing strategic vision, leadership and management for the academic affairs Division of the NUSU.  The Division of The Academic Affairs is the core organization of the University that takes the leading role and initiatives in designing educational strategy, academic policies, program analysis, institutional accreditation, staff development and continuous improvement. To that end,  the Academic Affairs supports NUSU’s mission by encouraging excellence and innovation in teaching in more than 11 disciplines, facilitating operational excellence in administrative and support areas that relate to academic services including registration, admissions, scheduling, examinations, students counseling and other related activities, students’ development and community engagement. These tasks and activities are carried out under the umbrella of different departments.

Prof. Abdelgadir Mohamed Ahmed Abdalla

Background

The Academic Affairs Secretariat at the National University of Sudan serves as the primary engine driving the university’s academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. It functions as the strategic hub responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining high standards across all educational programmes, ensuring that the university remains competitive and relevant both nationally and globally.

Rooted in the university’s core vision and mission, the Secretariat is committed to fostering an environment of academic integrity, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. It endeavours to create a dynamic academic ecosystem that nurtures talented students, supports dedicated faculty, and promotes sustainable research and knowledge dissemination.

The Academic Affairs Secretariat at the National University of Sudan is committed to creating an academic environment that promotes excellence, innovation, and societal relevance. Through strategic planning, adherence to international standards, and stakeholder engagement, the Secretariat aims to support the University to produce graduates who are competent, ethical, and ready to lead Sudan’s development and contribute to the global knowledge economy. Our commitment extends beyond traditional education; we aspire to be a hub of research, innovation, and community service that responds effectively to local needs while maintaining global competitiveness.

Our Vision

To establish the National University of Sudan as an internationally recognized center of excellence in education, research, and societal development, producing graduates who lead change in Sudan and beyond.

Our Mission

To facilitate, oversee, and continuously improve academic programmes and practices that uphold the highest standards of quality, relevance, and ethics. The Secretariat aims to foster a scholarly environment that is conducive to lifelong learning, research, and community service, aligning with global best practices and standards in higher education.

Core Values

  • Academic Excellence: Upholding the highest standards in teaching, research, and scholarly integrity.
  • Innovation: Promoting creative approaches to curriculum design, research, and service delivery.
  • Inclusivity & Equity: Ensuring equal access to quality education for all segments of society.
  • Integrity & Ethics: Maintaining transparency, fairness, and accountability in all academic processes.
  • Collaboration: Fostering partnerships locally and internationally to enrich academic experiences.
  • Sustainability: Supporting sustainable development through research, education, and community engagement.

Strategic Objectives

  1. Enhance Academic Quality & Standards:

Develop and sustain rigorous academic programmes aligned with national and international accreditation standards, including continuous quality assurance processes.

  1. Curriculum Modernisation & Innovation:

Regularly update curricula to reflect current scientific, technological, and societal developments, integrating innovative pedagogical methods such as e-learning, blended learning, and experiential education.

  1. Faculty Development & Support:

Invest in faculty capacity building through continuous professional development, research support, and recognition initiatives, fostering a vibrant academic community.

  1. Governance & Policy Development:

Develop transparent, evidence-based policies and procedures that uphold academic integrity, quality, and accountability.

Key Functions & Responsibilities

  1. Academic Programme Development & Review
  • Design new academic programmes in line with national development goals and global trends.
  • Conduct periodic curriculum reviews to ensure relevance, rigour, and alignment with industry needs and standards.
  • Ensure that programmes meet the accreditation standards set by national and international bodies, such as the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR), national regulatory bodies (eg Sudan Medical Council), UNESCO, QS, and regional accreditation agencies.
  1. Faculty Recruitment, Development, & Support
  •  Attract highly qualified faculty members with expertise aligned with the programme needs.
  • Offer regular training, workshops, and seminars on pedagogical skills, research methodologies, and emerging trends.
  • Encourage faculty participation in international conferences, collaborative research, and joint publication efforts.
  • Governing of  faculty promotion and advancement in academic rank—whether to Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor, based on demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and service by clearly defined criteria set forth by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR) and NUSU promotion policy.
  1. Admissions & Registration
  •  Processing student applications, enrolment of new intake and coordination of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR)
  • Managing student registration according to academic regulations
  •  Maintaining student records and files
  1. Quality Assurance & Accreditation
  • Implement comprehensive internal quality assurance systems, including self-assessment reports, peer reviews, and feedback mechanisms.
  • Coordinate accreditation processes to achieve and maintain national and international recognition.
  • Establish benchmarking practices against leading universities globally.
  1. Examination, Awards & Assessment Oversight
  • Develop standardised procedures for examinations, grading, and evaluation.
  • Ensure transparency, fairness, and confidentiality in assessment processes.
  • Incorporate diverse assessment methods, including formative, summative, practical, and digital assessments.
  • Create awards and prizes for the best achievers.
  • Coordinating exam schedules and logistics
  • Publishing grades and transcripts
  1. Graduation & Certification:
  • Verifies completion of academic requirements, including credit hours, GPA thresholds, and program-specific competencies.
  • Coordinates graduation ceremonies, including logistics, invitations, regalia, and official proceedings.
  • Prepares and distributes degree certificates, and academic honors.
  • Ensures accurate and complete academic records for graduating students.
  1. Certificate Verification & Attestation
  • Manages internal validation of certificates issued by the institution and supports students in obtaining equivalency and attestation for foreign-issued degrees.
  • Implements digital verification systems to enhance certificate authenticity and accessibility.
  1. International Collaboration & Partnerships
  • Build partnerships with universities and research institutions worldwide.
  • Promote international student mobility programs, dual degrees, and joint research projects.
  • Engage in global academic networks to enhance visibility and reputation.
  1. Policy Formulation & Governance
  • Develop policies related to academic integrity, plagiarism, grading, and student conduct.
  • Implementing academic regulations
  • Ensure compliance with national education laws and international best practices.
  • Regularly review and update policies to adapt to evolving academic landscapes.

Adherence to International Standards

The Academic Affairs Secretariat operates in strict compliance with international standards, including:

  • ISO 21001   (Educational Organisations Management Systems): Ensuring quality management in education.
  •  European Standards and Guidelines (ESG):  For quality assurance in higher education.
  • World Federation for Medical Education (WFME): For health sciences programs.
  • ASEAN University Network (AUN): For regional accreditation and collaboration.
  • UNESCO/IAU Guidelines: For promoting quality and equity in higher education.

Implementation Strategies & Continuous Improvement

Curriculum & Programme Review Cycles:           
Conduct biennial reviews involving faculty, students, alumni, and industry stakeholders.
Faculty Capacity Building: 
Invest in workshops, sabbaticals, and international training opportunities.
Student Feedback & Engagement:
Use surveys, focus groups, and advisory committees to incorporate student perspectives into academic planning.
Digital Transformation:       
Leverage Learning Management Systems (LMS), virtual labs, and e-resources to facilitate flexible and innovative learning.
Research & Innovation Funding:   
Secure grants and establish seed funding programs for pioneering research.
Benchmarking & International Accreditation:      
Pursue accreditation from recognised international agencies to validate quality standards.