Quality assurance in higher education is vital to Oman’s vision to become a knowledge-based society. To achieve this goal, the National University of Science and Technology in Oman has outlined some essential steps to enhance the quality of higher education in the country. One of the most crucial steps that we need to take is to foster broad partnerships with various stakeholders, such as public and private partnerships (PPPs), to improve talent development outcomes. This is essential to update and align the curricula with the current and future needs of industry and society.
Partnerships with different sectors can provide students with practical learning opportunities, research collaborations, and community engagement. For instance, by working with industries and local communities, students can gain exposure to real-world problems and solutions and develop relevant and in-demand skills in the market. Such partnerships can also help academic institutions to keep up with the changing needs of society and the economy and to ensure that their programs are responsive and adaptive.
This is especially important in the tech industry, which faces an acute ICT skills shortage. According to a recent survey, 61% of global IT decision-makers cited ICT skills as the biggest challenge facing the tech sector. To address this gap, leading ICT firms have launched various talent development initiatives to bridge the gap between academia and industry. In Oman, Huawei, the global ICT giant, has been a pioneer in this field, partnering with the Oman government, educational institutes and industry leaders to jointly contribute towards achieving Oman’s 2040 vision. For instance, the company has established the Huawei ICT Academy across Oman, in partnership with local universities, which introduces the students to the latest technologies, provides them an opportunity to gain industry certification, and enhances their employability. In Oman, Huawei ICT Academies support 45,000 students annually.
The establishment of the College of Advanced Technology by the National University (NU) in 2023, represents a significant and forward-thinking initiative aimed at elevating the quality of higher education in the country through the strategic integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This specialized institution is poised to serve as a beacon of innovation and expertise in the field of technology-driven education. By providing cutting-edge programs, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a curriculum attuned to the evolving demands of the digital age, NU's College of Advanced Technology will empower students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the ICT sector. Furthermore, this initiative is expected to catalyze research and development in ICT, foster industry-academia partnerships, and enhance Oman's position as a regional hub for technological excellence, ultimately contributing to a higher standard of education and bolstering the nation's knowledge-based economy.
Secondly, developing up-to-date, industry-aligned curricula that equip students with practical skills and knowledge relevant to current and future job markets will enhance our higher education quality. This requires regular curriculum reviews, collaboration with industry experts, and integration of emerging technologies into teaching and learning. By doing so, graduates can be well-prepared for the demands of the workforce and have a competitive edge in the market.
Earlier this year, the government announced that it would support the Huawei certification program for the next five years, which will help accelerate the development of the next generation of ICT talent. The Ministry also announced an incentive program for Omani students who have received the Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA) or Huawei Certified ICT Expert (HCIE) certification. In addition, Omantel will provide students with $450,000 in financial incentives for five years.
The third factor that influences the quality of higher education is the faculty. A strong and qualified faculty is essential for delivering high-quality education, conducting impactful research, and fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual curiosity. Therefore, investing in faculty development programs, encouraging research activities, and providing opportunities for faculty to stay updated in their respective fields and engage in interdisciplinary research and scientific publications can contribute to elevating the overall quality of higher education institutions and creating a more vibrant academic environment.
Fourthly, the quality of higher education also depends on the delivery mode and the learning experience. In light of advanced technologies and new customers’ requirements, there is a need for a new approach to education delivery, focusing on student-centered learning and support.
Providing state-of-the-art facilities, modern technologies, and online learning/smart classroom resources can significantly enhance the learning experience. Investment in updated laboratories, libraries, and digital infrastructure supports effective teaching, research, and collaboration. Additionally, integrating e-learning platforms and virtual classrooms can enable flexible and accessible education, especially in the face of unforeseen challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. E-learning also allows students to access diverse and high-quality courses from anywhere globally.
One of the examples of how technology can support quality education is Huawei’s partnership with Omantel, Oman’s leading service provider. The two entities have established a regional ICT training center to support talent development in the Sultanate. The Huawei Regional ICT Training Center aims to advance new technologies further and support achieving Oman’s Vision 2040, where building a knowledge-based economy is a crucial pillar. Located at the Omantel headquarters in Muscat, the Huawei Training Center houses various other tech facilities, including the Omantel 5G Exhibition hall, Huawei HQ online exhibition hall, and the Huawei ICT Academy in Oman. The Huawei ICT Training Center will also collaborate with entities such as the Centre for Research and Innovation and the Duqm 5G Exhibition Hall.
Fifthly, establishing robust quality assurance mechanisms and adhering to local and international accreditation standards are critical for maintaining and improving higher education quality. Regular evaluations, internal quality audits, and external accreditation reviews help institutions identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to globally recognized benchmarks of excellence.
Oman has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the quality of higher education, such as that at the National University of Science and Technology, by effectively embedding Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into its educational landscape. Through substantial investments in ICT infrastructure, e-learning platforms, digital resources, and faculty development, Oman has successfully modernized its higher education system. This integration has not only enhanced the accessibility and flexibility of education but has also fostered research and innovation, global collaboration, and administrative efficiency. Oman's dedication to leveraging ICT for educational advancement underscores its aspirations to provide a high-quality, globally competitive higher education experience that aligns with the demands of the digital era, ultimately contributing to the nation's socio-economic growth, sustainability and development.
Quality assurance in higher education is essential for Oman’s vision to become a knowledge-based society. By fostering broad partnerships with various sectors and updating and aligning curricula with industry needs, higher education institutions can improve talent development outcomes and contribute to Oman’s social and economic development.
Dr Ali al Bimani
Vice Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology
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