In today's highly competitive business environment, manufacturers and producers, particularly those in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), face numerous challenges in ensuring the quality of their products and services. One of the key factors that can make or break a business is its ability to meet international standards and regulations. This is where standardisation and quality assurance come into play.
Standardisation is the process of establishing a common standard or specification for a product, process, or service. It involves setting clear guidelines and criteria that must be met in order to ensure consistency, quality, and safety. Quality assurance, on the other hand, is the systematic process of ensuring that products or services meet specified requirements and standards.
For manufacturers and producers, particularly those in SMEs, standardisation and quality assurance are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they help to ensure that products or services meet international standards, making them more competitive in the global market. Secondly, they provide a framework for continuous improvement, enabling businesses to identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes. Finally, they enhance customer trust and confidence, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business.
In Nigeria, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is the apex standards body responsible for promoting standardisation and quality assurance in the country. SON was established under Act No. 14, 2015, and is responsible for developing and promoting standards, as well as ensuring compliance with international standards and regulations.
On the 6th February 2025, the Taraba State University took a significant step towards ensuring the quality of its products and services, particularly its bakery, by receiving a standardization certificate from Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). The certificate was presented to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Paul Bako, by the State Coordinator of SON, Mrs. Janet Maken'Vakkai, at the SON Taraba State office.
The certificate is valid for three years, after which the university will need to undergo a recertification or revalidation process in pursuance of compliance with the required standards and regulations. Prof. Bako expressed his appreciation and excitement, inviting the persons present to sample the university's bakery products.
This achievement demonstrates the university's commitment to maintaining high standards and providing quality products and services to its community. It also serves as a model for other manufacturers and producers, particularly those in SMEs, to follow in ensuring the quality of their products and services.
In an interview with our correspondent, Mrs. Maken'Vakkai highlighted the importance of standardisation and quality assurance in Nigeria's business environment. "Standardisation and quality assurance are crucial for businesses in Nigeria, particularly those in SMEs," she said. "They help to ensure that products or services meet international standards, making them more competitive in the global market. They also provide a framework for continuous improvement, enabling businesses to identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes."
Mrs. Maken'Vakkai also emphasized the role of SON in promoting standardisation and quality assurance in Nigeria. "SON is committed to promoting standardisation and quality assurance in Nigeria," she said. "We work with businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders to develop and promote standards, as well as ensure compliance with international standards and regulations."
The achievement of Taraba State University in receiving a standard certificate from SON is a significant milestone in the university's commitment to maintaining high standards and providing quality products and services to its community. It also serves as a model for other manufacturers and producers, particularly those in SMEs, to follow in ensuring the quality of their products and services. As Nigeria continues to strive for economic growth and development, standardisation and quality assurance will play a crucial role in ensuring that businesses are competitive, innovative, and customer-focused.
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