Heba Mohsen
The higher education sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain is witnessing a remarkable development in recent years, driven by a national vision that seeks to build an advanced knowledge society and an economy based on innovation. In this context, private universities have emerged as a main and complementary player for the role of public universities, as they actively contributed to expanding the base of higher education and providing various academic programs that respond to the needs of the local and regional market. The Chairman of the Education and Training Committee in the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry d. Youssef Abdel Ghaffar that the role of private universities in growth and expansion will continue as a major contribution to achieving the sustainable development goals of the Kingdom
This dialogue, which was conducted by Al -Watan with Dr. Abdel Ghaffar, with a highlight of the pivotal role played by private universities in Bahrain, by reviewing their contributions in developing education, meeting the requirements of the labor market, and enhancing scientific research, in addition to the challenges they face and ways of cooperation between them and the governmental and private sectors. It also discusses the criteria approved to ensure the quality of education and directions
The future to support this vital sector … to the text of the meeting:
What role does private universities play in developing higher education in the Kingdom of Bahrain?
– Private universities play a vital and complementary role for government universities in the higher education system in the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as contribute to increasing the capacity of higher education, and providing diversity in programs and specializations that may not be sufficiently available in public universities, as it is often characterized by flexibility in developing their programs in response to rapid changes in knowledge and the needs of the labor market, in addition to adopting innovative teaching methods and modern techniques, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, this competition, The positive raises the level of quality of higher education in general in the Kingdom.
How do private universities contribute to meeting the needs of the local and regional labor market?
– Private universities are distinguished by their ability to respond to the requirements of the changing labor market, as they work to develop specialized and directed programs towards priority sectors in the local and regional economy, such as technology, engineering, business administration, financial sector, and health care.
Moreover, it focuses on developing practical and applied skills among students through practical training and partnerships with the private sector, which facilitates the process of moving to the labor market with high efficiency.
What criteria do you adopt to assess the quality of education in private universities?
– Private universities in Bahrain are subject to criteria for the strict education quality assessment set by the competent authorities in the Higher Education Council, the Education Quality and Training Authority, and these standards include multiple aspects such as the quality of the curriculum, the efficiency of the faculty members and their qualifications, the provision of the appropriate infrastructure and educational equipment, the effectiveness of teaching and evaluation methods, the quality of scientific research, the level of student services, and that the commitment of private universities is also With the standards of local and international academic accreditation, it is an important indication of the quality of its programs.
Are there certain directions to support private universities in Bahrain by the government or the private sector?
– Yes, there are positive directions to support private universities in Bahrain, and the government seeks to enhance the role of the private sector in higher education and provide a stimulating environment for its growth. This support can include facilities in procedures, encouraging investment in educational infrastructure, and perhaps providing some incentives and facilities, while the private sector is a basic partner for private universities by providing training opportunities, contributing to the development of curricula, and attracting graduates. There are also initiatives to enhance partnership between universities and the private sector in the fields of scientific research and innovation.
How can private universities cooperate with government institutions to develop educational and training programs?
– This is possible through multiple mechanisms that include joint studies to determine the needs of the labor market, develop joint educational and training programs that meet these needs, exchange experiences and faculty members, and organize joint workshops and seminars. Private universities can also contribute to providing specialized training programs for government sector employees, and participating in implementing national development plans through the competencies they graduate.
What are the main challenges facing private universities in Bahrain? How can it be overcome?
– Private universities in Bahrain face some challenges, such as the increasing competition between educational institutions, ensuring that distinguished academic competencies, maintaining the quality of education in light of financial pressures, and keeping pace with the accelerating technological developments.
These challenges can be overcome by focusing on specialization and providing unique and distinguished programs, investing in the development of faculty members, diversifying sources of financing, adopting the latest educational technologies, and enhancing cooperation with the private sector and international institutions.
How is academic accreditation dealt with and the certificates granted by private universities?
– Private universities in Bahrain attaches the utmost importance to the issue of academic accreditation, as it seeks to obtain accreditation by local and international institutions recognized to ensure the quality of their programs and the credibility of their certificates, and is subject to periodic evaluation processes to ensure that they meet the required standards, and the Higher Education Council and the Education and Training Authority play an important role in supervising private universities and recognizing their certificates in accordance with regulations and laws What is in force. What is the role that private universities can play in promoting scientific research and innovation in Bahrain?
– Private universities can contribute effectively to promoting scientific research and innovation in Bahrain by encouraging faculty and students to conduct applied research that serve the needs of society and the economy, establish specialized research centers, and cooperate with research institutions and the industrial sector in implementing joint research projects, organizing scientific conferences and forums, and supporting the transformation of research ideas into innovative products and services. In your opinion .. How do private universities enhance their partnership With the industrial sector to provide training and employment opportunities for students?
– This partnership can be strengthened through multiple mechanisms, such as signing cooperation agreements to provide practical training opportunities for students, involve representatives of the industrial sector in designing curricula to ensure their suitability for the needs of the labor market, organizing functional introductory activities, establishing joint training programs, and encouraging the private sector to care for students graduation and providing scholarships. In addition, universities in Bahrain appoint representatives of various industries in colleges councils including It is appropriate for each major.
For example, there is a supervisory council in each college on study programs and plans, in which representatives of the industries related to the college’s majors are appointed.
In conclusion ..
What are the future plans for developing higher education in Bahrain in general and private universities in particular?
– Future plans to develop higher education in Bahrain, including private universities, include focusing on promoting quality and innovation, developing specialized programs in national priority areas, encouraging scientific research and entrepreneurship, expanding partnerships with prestigious international institutions, using modern technology in education, and developing a comprehensive system for recognition of qualifications and academic accreditation.
