Use education for development

The need to bring about serious changes to higher education in the Arab world is an issue that the region's educationists would certainly consent to. But the question is not whether to bring about change; instead it is of how and for what purpose.

Educational experts attending the 11th Conference of Arab Higher Education Ministers, held at Zayed University, agree that there is a need to monitor and maintain the quality of higher education in all countries of the region. In other words, there is a necessity to introduce quality control measures into the system.

There are undoubtedly a number of challenges facing the future of higher education in the Arab world. Firstly, the issue of linking the degrees that students earn to the needs of the job market is critical as this would stand as one of the crucial factors that affect future unemployment rates. Secondly, education should enable students to face the challenges of the future.

Equally, the UAE is also tackling similar issues. National students should also be prepared for the challenges which will require knowledge as much as competence in knowing how to apply it.