In a pioneering step reflecting its commitment to enhancing the practical skills of its students, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University celebrated the graduation of an exceptional class of 426 students who successfully obtained internationally accredited professional certifications. This achievement culminated in the inaugural annual meeting of the "Professional" initiative, held in the presence of the university president, Professor Fahd bin Ahmed Al-Harbi, and the director of the Eastern Province branch of the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Yousef, underscoring the strategic partnership between the academic sector and employment support organizations.
The "Professional" initiative: A strategic response to Vision 2030
The “Professional” initiative, launched on April 1, 2024, is a practical implementation of the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the Human Capital Development Program. Dr. Al-Harbi explained that the initiative aims not only to award certificates but also to build a qualified human capital capable of competing in local and global markets. This step comes within the context of a broader transformation in the Saudi higher education sector, which is no longer limited to awarding academic degrees but is increasingly focused on equipping graduates with practical skills and professional qualifications that bridge the gap between educational outcomes and the changing demands of the labor market.
The importance of professional certifications and their expected impact
Professional certifications represent a valuable addition to a graduate's resume, demonstrating their specialized knowledge and industry-recognized practical skills. Locally, this achievement contributes to supplying the Eastern Province labor market, a vital industrial and economic hub, with qualified Saudi nationals ready to immediately enter the workforce. Regionally and internationally, these certifications give university graduates a significant competitive advantage, qualifying them for advanced positions across various sectors and enhancing the global reputation of Saudi education.
Activities accompanying student empowerment
The event wasn't limited to honoring participants; it also featured an in-depth dialogue session titled "From Student to Professional." Faculty members and graduates shared their real-life experiences of leveraging professional certifications to achieve career success and open new job opportunities. On the sidelines of the event, the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) organized a specialized workshop highlighting the financial support mechanisms and programs available for obtaining professional certifications, emphasizing its pivotal role in empowering Saudi youth.
A qualitative leap towards lifelong learning
For his part, Dr. Abdullah Al-Muhaidib, Vice President for Academic Affairs, described the initiative as a "qualitative leap" aimed at instilling a culture of "lifelong learning" among students. Dr. Taghreed Al-Muqaitib, Director of the Assessment and Testing Quality Center, noted the distinction of 37 students who earned two to three professional certifications, reflecting a high level of ambition and perseverance. Excellence awards were presented to all 426 graduates, and seven colleges were recognized for their outstanding implementation of the initiative. This reaffirms the university's unwavering commitment to continuing this journey and ensuring the graduation of qualified national talent that will contribute effectively to the nation's development.
