JEDDAH: Two Arabic-language institutes will be established at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah and Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University in Riyadh for non-Arabic speakers, Higher Education Minister Khaled Al-Anqari announced Wednesday.
He said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, who is chairman of the Higher Education Council (HEC), approved the project. He said the king has also endorsed the rules and regulations for satellite transmission of academic programs.
The plan to establish two more Arabic institutes for men and women is good news for expatriates in Saudi Arabia, especially diplomats and executives who want to learn the language. At present there are four such institutes at King Saud University, Imam Muhammad bin Saud University in Riyadh, Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah and Madinah Islamic University.
Al-Anqari said the use of satellite transmission would boost higher, electronic and distance education in the Kingdom and contribute to spreading a culture of knowledge in all groups of society.
The HEC also restructured a number of departments at Umm Al-Qura and Taiba universities and agreed to establish a department for mineral engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, and a department of biochemistry at the Faculty of Science in Tabuk University.
“King Abdullah also approved the setting up of support deanships in Al-Kharj University, Shaqra University and Tabuk University,” the minister said. A number of new agencies will also be set up in some universities to supervise development and academic affairs.
The council extended the term of Dr. Abdullah Al-Khalaf as vice president for higher education and scientific research at Imam university. It appointed Dr. Ahmed Al-Draiwesh, vice president for scientific institutes, Dr. Fowzan Abdul Rahman Al-Fowzan, vice president for scientific institutes and Dr. Ahmed Salim, vice president for girl students affairs at the same university.
Dr. Ahmed Kateb has been appointed vice president of Madinah University, Dr. Saleh Al-Mezaal, vice president for academic affairs at Tabuk University, Dr. Mohsen bin Abdul Rahman Al-Mohsen, vice president for higher studies and scientific research at Majmaa University and Dr. Talal bin Abdullah Al-Malki, vice president for quality and development at Taif University.
The HEC also extended the term of 58 teaching staff members at various universities.
By P.K. ABDUL GHAFOUR
© Arab News 2010
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