The Education and Research Committee of the Shura Council held a meeting today (Tuesday) to review several topics and issues related to the educational sector in Oman. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Jamal Ahmed Al Abri, Chairman of the Committee, with the participation of Committee members.

During the session, the Committee met with Abdullah Mohammed Al Abri, an academic and specialist supervisor in English language teaching, to discuss his proposal regarding the difficulties faced by graduates of education colleges majoring in English in passing the IELTS proficiency test. He suggested that students be prepared, trained, and enrolled in the Specialized Institute for Professional Development, stressing that such a measure would help reduce reliance on expatriate teachers in boys’ schools and replace them with qualified national educators.
Members of the Committee emphasized the importance of examining the feasibility of such proposals in order to address challenges related to employment in the education sector and to seek solutions through the competent authorities.
The Committee also listened to a group of students affected by the new admission requirements for the education major at one of the higher education institutions in Oman, which they noted could hinder their ability to continue their academic path. In addition, the Committee reviewed a letter submitted by a number of academics at vocational colleges in Oman, calling for a fair and prompt solution that ensures the adoption of a unified academic schedule for faculty members in vocational colleges, similar to other government higher education institutions.
On another note, the Committee discussed proposed agenda items for the work plan of the Education, Research and Innovation Committee for the third annual session of the Tenth Term.