Private Higher Education Institutions’ Dilemma on National Exit Exam: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward

Abstract

Aims to identify key challenges and propose strategies for balancing quality assurance with institutional autonomy. From 170 initial sources, 53 were included in the final analysis. Data were extracted using a structured charting tool and synthesized thematically. The review identified four major challenges faced by Ethiopian private higher education institutions (PHEIs) in implementing national exit exams: misalignment with standardized curricula, limited resources, lack of information and training, and political social biases. Despite these barriers, national exams also offer opportunities for academic improvement, international recognition, and greater policy influence. PHEIs can leverage these exams to raise standards, enhance credibility, and engage in collaborative reforms.