Abstract
This study examined external assessors’ literacy in accreditation and improvement of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. For the purpose of the research, deans of faculties, heads of departments, polytechnics administrators as well as members of NUC and NBTE who serve as external assessors were the target population. The population count was 150 assessors who partake in accreditation in federal government universities and polytechnics respectively drawn by convenience sampling technique from four geo-political zones of Nigeria. A 33-item instrument titled “External Assessors Literacy In Accreditation And Improvement Of Tertiary Institutions Questionnaire” was developed, validated and tested for internal consistency reliability using Cronbach Alpha. The reliability index was 0.89 which indicated the fitness of the instrument for the study. Mean and standard deviation were used in answering the research questions. Findings revealed low external assessors assessment literacy in accreditation which cannot guarantee improvement of tertiary institutions in Nigeria as there are variable levels of assessors’ literacy in some aspects of accreditation and these aspects which require attention pertain to the evolving global procedures for quality assurance and acceptable criteria for quality tertiary institutions. Joint effort between proprietors and administrators of tertiary institution as well as external assessors is needed to ensure good coordination and communications of current global best practices and standards so that tertiary institutions can adhere to quality assurance practices that ensure improved tertiary education in Nigeria.