King brings about significant progress of education

Riyadh, September 21, SPA -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has
witnessed in the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz significant development achievements.

As regards the educational sector the Cabinet approved at its
session held on 24/01/1428 AH, the project of King Abdullah for the
development of general education, which will be implemented within
six years at a total cost of SR 9 billion. The project includes the
development of the educational syllabuses, rehabilitation of the
teachers, and improvement of the educational environment.


Currently, the Kingdom has 21 governmental universities and four
private universities.


In the academic year 1428-1429 AH, the universities included 701,681
students and 30,246 members of the academic staff.

As regards general education, the Kingdom has 32,000 schools for boys
and girls with more than five million students and more than 426,000
teachers.


The Saudi universities enjoy independence as regards the academic
and administrative affairs, and the government has provided them with
the required financial appropriations so a to enable them perform
their mission in a satisfactory manner.


Recently, King Abdullah laid foundation stones for the new
universities in Jazan, Najran, Baha, Hail, the Northern Borders, Joaf
and Tabuk. The first phase of the projects of these universities will
be implemented at a total cost of SR 5 billion.

Meanwhile, the King laid the foundation stone of King Abdullah
University for Sciences and Technology at Thuwal, north of Jeddah.
This university, due to be implemented at a total cost of SR 10
billion, will become a distinguished university which is concerned
with scientific research and technological development.


In recognition of the role of the members of the academic staff of
the universities in the reprocess of comprehensive development, the
Cabinet approved series of privileges, gratuities, allowances and
additional incentives for the members of the academic staff.
This decision will positively contribute to the development of
innovation and distinction at the universities as well as improve the
efficiency of their members.

On 14/3/1426 AH, the Royal approval was issued for the program of the
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for
scholarships. The state has allocated more than SR 7 billion for
scholarships at the prestigious universities in a number of developed
countries for a period of five years for obtaining bachelor, master
and doctorate degrees.


In the last three years, more than 18,000 students were sent on
scholarships, while arrangements are also underway for sending 10,000
students on scholarships.


Meanwhile, King Abdullah has been giving a great attention to King
Abdulaziz and his men Foundation for Innovation and Giftedness. The
Foundation is an independent educational commission with its
independent legal character.


The education ministry is aware of the important role which can be
played by the gifted persons in the process of the development of the
country.


--SPA