Education 'must keep pace with changes'

Education needs to keep pace with the rapid economic changes globally, and business and industry should help identify areas where skills are needed in the local marketplace, said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Chancellor of Emirates University and Higher Colleges of Technology.

Speaking at the 15th Annual Conference of Higher Colleges, he said that there is also a need to pay close attention to issues like life-long learning, where people keep upgrading their skills as technology progresses.

"We need to enhance the ability of our students to stay ahead of rapid technological change," he said, adding that the progress of the students must be carefully monitored.

"Our education programmes have to be aligned with the manpower requirements of the country," he said. "Only through our business alliances can we keep abreast of national and regional trends in economic development."

The one-day annual conference was attended by Dr Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of HCT, Dr Chris Yapp, guest speaker, the Board of Directors and more than 400 instructors and staff members.

Sheikh Nahyan said that he was confident that "everyone is ready to build on the accomplishments of the last 14 years and to continue to help our students achieve success."