The Shura Council calls for a review of university admissions and linking academic specializations to the labor market
The Shura Council held its fourteenth regular session of the second year of its ninth term on Tuesday, chaired by the Council's Vice President, Dr. Meshal bin Fahm Al-Sulami. The session included extensive discussions on the performance of several Saudi universities, with a focus on aligning educational outcomes with the actual needs of the labor market. This falls within the Council's oversight and legislative role aimed at enhancing the efficiency of educational institutions.
The context of development and keeping pace with Vision 2030
These decisions and recommendations come at a time when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing radical transformations in the education sector, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030, specifically the Human Capital Development Program. Through these directives, the Shura Council seeks to ensure that Saudi universities become effective platforms for graduating qualified national talent capable of competing both locally and internationally, and to bridge the gap between theoretical education and evolving professional requirements.
Directives for Al-Jouf and Taibah Universities
At the outset of its resolutions, the council called upon Al-Jouf University to conduct a comprehensive review of its admissions policies, with the aim of providing broader opportunities for students in bachelor's degree programs. The council also emphasized the need to restructure the university's academic programs and expand the offering of specialized fields that align with the comparative advantages of the Al-Jouf region and its governorates. Simultaneously, the council urged the university to expedite the completion of student housing projects for both male and female students.
In a related matter, the Council directed Taibah University to develop its initiatives in line with its institutional identity and strategic objectives, calling for a restructuring of its colleges and a focus on measuring the actual impact of their graduates. The Council also urged the university to expedite construction projects at its branches in the provinces and to coordinate with relevant authorities to complete the university hospital project, which is a cornerstone of medical education in the region.
Linking education to the labor market
The council discussed Najran University's annual report, highlighting the need for a thorough study of labor market needs. Council member Ghanem Al-Ghanem emphasized the importance of aligning academic specializations with available job opportunities to ensure optimal utilization of human resources and avoid graduating students with specializations that may not be in demand. This reflects the government's general direction towards improving the efficiency of educational spending.
Academic quality and competitiveness
Regarding the Saudi Electronic University, the council discussed its annual report, with members offering significant observations on the academic staff. Council member Rashid Al-Sharif emphasized the need to attract faculty members to permanent positions to achieve an ideal student-to-faculty ratio. For his part, member Mohammed Ashri stressed the importance of developing incentive programs to ensure job security for academic talent, thereby enhancing the university's competitiveness and the quality of its graduates.
International agreements to promote cooperation
On the international relations front, the Council approved a draft memorandum of understanding between the Agricultural Development Fund of the Kingdom and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aimed at strengthening cooperation in developing the agricultural sector. The Council also approved a draft general cooperation agreement between the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the government of the Republic of Ghana, reflecting the Council's commitment to enhancing international partnerships across various fields.
