Saudi minister discusses education reforms and development

Saudi Education Minister Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh held a video conference with university rectors to discuss the summer semester at universities, the proposed admissions criteria under coronavirus conditions and the participation of universities in developing the tracks of secondary schools and specialized academies.

The meeting covered a project for transforming community colleges to applied colleges and developing their programs according to the job market. It also discussed the structure of universities and spending efficiency standards, with the participation of the vice chancellors of academic and educational affairs at universities.

Al-Asheikh hailed the huge success achieved through distance learning, leading to uninterrupted education and final assessments.

He said that the coronavirus pandemic will produce qualitative changes in the education system and open great horizons that will contribute to improving the system’s efficiency.

He stressed that post-coronavirus education will change, pointing out that the Kingdom is among the first countries to implement international best practices for distance learning.

Al-Asheikh added that what has been accomplished during this phase provides great opportunities to achieve greater things for the country by expanding the application of distance learning in all programs at every university.

He stressed the importance of enhancing the efficiency of spending in universities and investing financial resources to achieve better returns on the educational process, which has the students at its heart.

Al-Asheikh called for greater efforts to Saudize jobs, benefit from Saudi talents and attract them, employ the distinguished students who study abroad through scholarships, and increase cooperation between universities in teaching courses and graduate programs.