New amendment to the university system and approval of the membership of the Deputy Minister of Education
The Council of Ministers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued an official decision to amend a paragraph in Article Six of the Universities System, as part of the ongoing steps to modernize and develop the organizational structures of the higher education sector, in order to ensure greater flexibility in decision-making and enhance the governance of the higher councils.
The decision stipulated amending paragraph (2) of Article Six of the Universities Law, replacing the phrase "Deputy Minister of Education for Universities, Research, and Innovation" with "Deputy Minister of Education." This amendment reflects the administrative updates in the Ministry of Education's structure and ensures the continuity of high-level leadership representation on the Council of University Affairs, regardless of any organizational changes to sub-job titles.
The importance of the Council of University Affairs and its strategic role
The Council of University Affairs is the supreme authority overseeing the higher education system in the Kingdom, responsible for formulating general university policies and approving organizational, financial, and administrative regulations. This amendment aims to enhance the Council's efficiency by including the Deputy Minister of Education as a member, thereby granting the Council greater administrative weight and a direct link with the Ministry's leadership, and contributing to the swift alignment of university education outcomes with national objectives.
The council is responsible for vital tasks including proposing the establishment of universities and colleges, determining rewards and benefits, and approving the rules regulating investment and self-generated revenues for universities, which requires a stable and flexible administrative structure that keeps pace with the rapid changes in the education sector.
The new university system: a qualitative leap towards independence
This decision comes as a continuation of the development of the "University System," which was adopted to enable Saudi universities to achieve controlled autonomy in academic, administrative, and financial matters. The system primarily aims to increase spending efficiency, diversify funding sources, and align academic programs with the evolving needs of the labor market, in accordance with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
The system has provided universities with broader opportunities for excellence and global competitiveness by allowing them to establish investment companies and endowments, and to approve their academic programs with greater flexibility. Regulating the membership of the Council of University Affairs is an integral part of ensuring the success of this system, as the Council is the guarantor of implementing these policies according to the highest quality standards.
Expected impact and alignment with Vision 2030
This organizational amendment is expected to expedite the work of the Council of University Affairs and enhance coordination between the Ministry and the various universities. It also reflects the wise leadership's commitment to the periodic review of regulations and bylaws to ensure that no procedural obstacles hinder educational institutions from achieving their goals.
This move falls under the Human Capability Development Program, one of the programs of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which seeks to build a solid educational journey, as university education is the cornerstone in preparing national cadres qualified to compete globally, which requires a dynamic and efficient legislative and regulatory framework.
