The Education, Research, and Innovation Committee of the Shura Council hosted today (Monday) Mr. Ahmed Said Rashid Al Balushi, the proposer of two motions concerning the elimination of evening classes in Oman and the regulation of licensed academic support lessons. The meeting aimed to discuss proposals that support enhancing the quality and structure of education in line with national development goals.

The session, held as part of the Committee’s 14th meeting during the second annual session (2024–2025) of the Tenth Term, was chaired by Jamal Ahmed Al Abri, Chair of the Education, Research, and Innovation Committee. The Committee engaged in an in-depth discussion of several educational issues, considering their implications for the broader education system in Oman.
Deliberations centered on the proposal to cancel evening classes, with the proponent outlining key arguments in favor of the motion. These included the need to enhance the effectiveness of daytime education, better allocate resources, and avoid overburdening educational staff and infrastructure. The discussions also explored enabling private and international schools to offer reduced study loads to government school students, thereby helping avoid the need for parallel evening systems and promoting more individualized instruction.
The Committee further examined a proposal to allow Arab expatriate communities residing in Oman to establish their own private schools. This move would relieve pressure on public schools, particularly in densely populated areas, and contribute to a more balanced student distribution.
Committee members stressed the importance of adopting long-term educational reforms rather than temporary fixes, ensuring stability within the educational system and elevating learning outcomes in line with Oman Vision 2040.
In a related context, the Committee addressed the growing phenomenon of private tutoring and its impact on public school performance and public confidence. The discussion highlighted contributing factors such as disparities in student achievement and the demand for academic support beyond the official curriculum.
The Committee underscored the need to improve the quality of classroom education and reduce reliance on supplementary academic support, which places financial pressure on families and undermines equal access to learning.



It was emphasized that addressing this issue requires a comprehensive, structural approach—one that aligns instructional methods with national curricula, enhances students’ understanding and engagement during school hours, and fosters an equitable and inclusive educational environment that supports sustainable human development.