Dubai: Saudi Arabia will show zero tolerance towards educational institutions trying to promote extremist and fundamental ideologies.
Hamad Al Sheikh, Minister of Education, underlined that educational institutions should not be allowed to promote radical ideologies. 'There will not be any leniency towards those promoting fundamental ideologies and hence any violation in the academic field will be dealt with firmly.'
'We will neither allow dissemination of anything in contrary to the kingdom’s policy and approaches nor allow educational institutions to serve purposes other than that of their national contexts,' he said.
The minister made these remarks while inaugurating the first virtual meeting of Saudi universities titled: “Enhancing national belongingness to crises”.
The meeting was organised by Prince Khaled Al Faisal Institute for Moderation at King Abdul Aziz University.
Al Sheikh said: “The role of universities is great in enhancing national identity and loyalty to the nation through a set of appropriate programmes and activities that help all its employees develop a sense of deep attachment and loyalty to the country and its leadership.”
Al Sheikh warned against the use of social media platforms in promoting whatever is in contradiction to the state’s approaches, criticizing its policies, adopting partisan tendencies, or identifying with extremist ideas or groups that have been labeled as terrorist groups.
The education minister highlighted that Saudi Arabia is among the countries that have a high level of social awareness, which was reflected in its dealing with the coronavirus crisis. He also lauded the role of universities after the decision to close school and universities due to the spread of COVID-19
“The figures speak of a high degree of national conscious among faculty members and students, which is represented in the ongoing lectures and final evaluations being carried out remotely without any interruptions,” he added.
