Staff Reporter
Muscat, May 16
A meeting was held under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat, to review the work of higher educational institutions in the Governorate of Muscat, at Majan University College on Wednesday.
Dr Rahma emphasised the pivotal role played by higher education institutions in grooming skills and producing new knowledge through scientific research and transforming it into value through innovation and entrepreneurship.
She highlighted the ministry’s efforts to enhance the quality of higher education institutions to global standards by twinning with the finest international universities, and encouraging international students to study through the “Study in Oman” programme.
She highlighted several proposed initiatives, including informing the ministry of specialisations required for its developmental projects, assisting in providing opportunities for student training in the governorate, especially students enrolled in the preparation programme, and assigning some of the governorate’s projects to higher education institutions as they fall within small and medium enterprises. Moreover, she emphasised the importance of supporting the “Saraj” endowment institution for education support, and collaboration in establishing new academic, technical, professional and vocational programmes at the diploma, bachelor and postgraduate levels, or training courses tailored to the needs of the governorate and its plans.
She also encouraged scientific tourism and conference tourism to familiarise the local and international community with these universities, enhancing their recognition and the qualifications they offer, and encouraging international students to study there, among other joint community initiatives.
Lara bint Ghassan Obaidat, adviser to the minister for scholarships and qualification equivalence, presented the strategic priorities for the ministry’s three sectors: higher education, scientific research and innovation, and highlighted areas of cooperation and partnership between the ministry and the governorate.
Mahmoud bin Khalfan al Hadidi, CEO of Saraj Educational Endowment Institution, outlined the institution’s goals in serving higher education and improving it by supporting underprivileged students, talented students and supporting projects of higher education institutions. He highlighted the institution’s latest developments and current and future initiatives to activate the role of the endowment and enhance its developmental role. The presentation included the launch of the Saraj card and an overview of the benefits.
The meeting concluded with a dialogue session where the minister, Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality and the CEO of Saraj discussed with attendees the opportunities and initiatives supporting education, scientific research, entrepreneurship and professional training.
Dr Rahma also met final-year students from private higher education institutions to discuss national priorities such as education, capacity building, health, citizenship, identity and social welfare.
She also listened to the students’ views and inquiries, in addition to their academic and living challenges. She urged them to develop their skills and capabilities by utilising the various services, facilities and programmes offered by their institutions and the ministry. She also emphasised the importance of lifelong learning and continuing to acquire new skills after graduation.
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