The Shura Council held its sixteenth regular session of the second year of its ninth term on Tuesday, chaired by His Excellency the Speaker of the Council, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Sheikh. The session witnessed extensive discussions and the issuance of a package of decisions and directives aimed at raising the efficiency of the university education sector in the Kingdom, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program.
Enhancing financial sustainability and corporate identity
In its efforts to enhance the efficiency of universities, the Council issued a resolution requiring the Saudi Electronic University to develop a clear institutional identity that strengthens its position both locally and internationally. The resolution went beyond mere appearances, extending to the financial sphere as well, with the Council emphasizing the importance of building an effective and diversified investment system. This directive aligns with the state's strategy to empower universities to diversify their revenue streams and reduce their overall reliance on the state budget, thereby granting them greater operational independence and flexibility in development.
The council also addressed academic challenges, calling on the university to conduct a comprehensive study of the reasons for students’ difficulties and to develop radical solutions to improve the learning environment, which reflects the council’s concern for the quality of educational outcomes.
International expansion and regional integration
In a move reflecting the Kingdom's soft power and its leading role in the Islamic world, the Shura Council directed the Islamic University of Madinah to enhance its international presence. The Council called for a study on opening branches of the university outside the Kingdom and increased participation in international conferences and forums. This initiative aims to disseminate the Kingdom's message of moderation and promote cultural and intellectual exchange.
At the local level, the council called on the University of Tabuk to study adopting an integrated working model with NEOM University . This directive carries significant strategic implications, as both universities are located in a region witnessing some of the world's largest development projects, necessitating the unification of research and academic efforts to serve NEOM's projects and provide them with qualified personnel.
Governance and Digital Transformation
The Council's decisions included directives for Bisha University and Najran University , focusing primarily on institutional governance and digital transformation. Bisha University was instructed to strengthen its strategic management culture and restructure its health colleges in coordination with the Council of University Affairs. Najran University was directed to conduct a systematic study of its institutional status and to develop a new identity that reflects the region's comparative advantages.
International agreements and other topics
In addition to educational matters, the Council approved several memoranda of understanding and international agreements with Hungary, Kuwait, Turkey, Bahrain, and Nigeria, covering the fields of tourism, media, social services, sustainable development, and customs. The Council also discussed the annual report of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Park Foundation, postponing a decision on it for further review.
These decisions come to confirm the pivotal role of the Shura Council in monitoring the performance of government agencies and driving development, to ensure the achievement of the highest quality standards in educational and service institutions in the Kingdom.
