The University of Nizwa

The University of Nizwa (UoN) was established in the Sultanate of Oman in 2004 as a faculty governed not-for-profit private university. It is located 140 km from the national capital of Muscat in the interior region of Al-Dakhiliya near the historic former capital of Nizwa. The University seeks to provide a progressive and safe learning environment that is respectful of the traditions and values of the Sultanate.

Since its inception, the guiding philosophy of UoN has been to provide students with a high quality education that prepares them to contribute meaningfully to the economic, artistic and aesthetic growth of the country. Graduates, irrespective of their majors, are expected to be capable lifelong learners with skills in numeracy, communications, critical thinking and problem solving. Alumni will possess an appreciation of their culture, values on which it is founded and shared values of humanity in general.

In the short time since the inaugural class of 1200 students began taking courses on 16 October 2004 the University has expanded tremendously, both in physical size and in the number and diversity of programs offered to students. At this time the University offers over 30 undergraduate majors and 6 masters programs to a student body of nearly 6500. Construction is underway nearby on a new state of the art campus to support the continued growth of the university and its academic offerings.

It is our pleasure to welcome all of you to the University of Nizwa, and we do expect your participation in the construction of this vital and important institution. We thank God who has blessed all the past years efforts with the issuing of the decision of the University of Nizwa establishment on the 3rd of January 2004, and the decision number 60/ 2004 about study commencement by the academic year 2004/2005 issued on the 27th of July 2004 by his Excellency the Minister of Higher Education, and which has come as an execution of his Majesty Royal Decree number 41/99 in relation to private universities and its executive panel. Efforts have been made recently to prepare the temporary university campus in Birkat Al Mouz which constitutes another pier in the support of this project on the part of the builder of Oman, his Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed. Indeed, his Majesty may God protect him and bless him has issued his royal orders in relation to the use of the inboard Qaboos school of Al Jabal Al Akhdar people in Birkat Al Mauz as a temporary place till the finalization of the buildings of the university campus. The University of Nizwa first council of trustees believes that the success of this project comes as a natural result of good planning and execution.

This is why we shall make this view come true through:

• Team-work inside the university and while interacting with the society.
• Effective response to workplace needs and emphasis on academic programs quality which should provide for a good building up of the individual and his preparation for the sake of a changing world that requires a positive interaction with its components.
• Enhancement of interaction with the society at all levels, institutions and individuals to fulfill the objectives of sustainable development.
• Establishment of strong bases for academic and professional cooperation with a range of well grounded and leading universities across world continents which would prove to be of great benefit primarily for the joining students as well as for the good worldwide citizenship.
• Beginning with about 30 university specialties whose ingredients you will find on this website.
• Emphasis on the fact that whatever specialty the student chooses, we shall grant him/ her the opportunity of computer literacy as well as life skills building up with a special focus on such skills as interaction, team work, and initiative taking as well as generosity, and good planning.

Vision:

The University of Nizwa aspires to be a beacon (minaret) of knowledge and enlightenment as a prominent higher education institution of excellence.

It is to achieve a worldwide reputation for the quality of its programs and graduates and international distinction for innovation, progress and development.

Mission:

The University of Nizwa is a non-profit academic institution, which is governed by its faculty. It shall promote positive thinking, preserve the nation’s Islamic and cultural heritage and identity, faith in Allah and loyalty to the country and His Majesty. Its purpose is to broadly educate students and equip them with values, knowledge and life skills needed to enrich their lives and enable them to meaningfully contribute to the progress of society. To achieve its mission, the University shall develop dynamic integrative programs which provide high quality academic training, research and intellectual development.

Values:

Academic Excellence: Promote academic excellence through the establishment of a resourceful, non-profit academic institution serving, preserving, and advancing the nation’s heritage, identity and values via the use of high-quality and affordable educational programs, and research with accomplished faculty and staff in order to produce well-educated, highly-skilled, and ethical graduates.

Leadership through Research and Technology: Leadership through the development of research and technology in order to contribute to the advancement and progress of the Sultanate of Oman in particular, and humankind in general, through the production, acquisition, and enhancement of knowledge that facilitates a culture of sustainability and research, the enrichment of research capacity, scientific networking, and ethical awareness.

Quality Management: Develop an administrative and managerial culture of integrated quality management. Encourage the practice of self-assessment among faculty and staff in order to advance their efficacy. Achieve continuous improvement through critical thinking, effective stewardship and deployment of resources, and an outcome-based approach.

Sustainable Development: Commit to sustain the continuous development of the university and society. The university shall sustain growth by managing innovative ideas, concepts and approaches that enhance university resources. Contributions to the university’s growth and advancement will be achieved through partnerships, collaborations, consultancies, volunteer services, efficient linkage with private, public and civil sectors, as well as, innovative means to support students financially.