Improving educational infrastructure is one of Saudi Arabia’s top priorities according to a report by Oxford Business Group which noted the Kingdom “has reiterated its commitment to education with a large budgetary allocation” and developing avenues for international cooperation. The report, carried today by Zawya.com, noted Saudi institutions are beginning to receive international recognition.
The Saudi government’s 2010 spending “will be spread across all levels of education with particular attention being paid to building 1200 new schools, in addition to the 3112 schools already under construction.” Moreover, four new university campuses are being funded.
The Oxford Business Group report cited Dean of Effat University, a private women’s college in Jeddah, Dr. Haifa Jamal Al-Lail as saying, “There is a boom happening in education in Saudi Arabia right now and it is about quality not just quantity.” She added, “The current drive in educational infrastructure is geared towards giving people choices for higher education. However, this does not necessarily mean university for everyone. The country is trying to open community colleges and vocational training institutions as these will play an important part in taking up the youth population bulge.”
For the complete Oxford Business Group report on Zawya.com click HERE.
