Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation visits branches of National University

Muscat: The branches of the National University for Science and Technology in North Al Batinah Governorate were honored by the visit of H. E. Prof. Dr. Rahma Bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. H. E’s visit was dedicated to the International Maritime College Oman (IMCO) and the College of Medicine and Health Sciences in Sahar

Her Excellency was accompanied during the visit by HE Dr. Bakhit bin Ahmed Al-Mahri, Undersecretary for Higher Education, and some of the Ministry’s concerned officials.Besides the NU’s Rectorate members, Dr. P. Mohamed Ali, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Dr. Ali bin Saud Al Bimani, Vice-Chancellor of the National University received and welcomed her excellency and the accompanying team.

H. E’s Visit to International Maritime College Oman (IMCO)

At the beginning of the visit, H. E. Prof. Dr. Minister met with IMCO Dean Captain Palanivelu Rajkumar & administrative and academic staff of the International Maritime College Oman (IMCO), whereas Dr. Amer Al-Habsi Deputy Dean presented an overview of the College, where he outlined that IMCO was established in 2005, and joined the National University of Science and Technology in June 2022. The college offers programs in Marine Engineering, Process Engineering, Logistics and Transport Management, and Nautical Studies (Deck Officer). In addition to diploma and bachelor's degrees, students can apply to obtain the professional Certificates of Competency of Officer on Watch, Chief Mate, and Master Mariner issued by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology based on international standards and regulations and fully comply with IMO and STCW requirements.

H. E. the Minister and the accompanying delegation were briefed on College's facilities, workshops, laboratories, and simulator building. H. E. the Minister stressed the need to link the College's programs and align them with the logistical and industrial sector, diversifying the College's programs and curriculum to suit males and females. In addition, she advocated the importance of the creation of a competitive environment that attracts international students and provides Omani students with the necessary competence and expertise to qualify them to compete in the labor market. H. E. the Minister also called on the College’s Management to cooperate with the Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Center (MAWARID) to utilize resources in manufacturing and process industries. H. E. also explained the importance of linking the College with international institutions that grant international professional certificates, noting the importance of promoting and marketing the College and its achievements in the various media. H. E.urged private higher education institutions to convert theircampuses into green buildings using renewable and sustainable energy.

H. E’s Visit to the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (COMHS)

Afterward, Her Excellency the Minister visited the College of Medicine and Health Sciences of the National University, during her visit, H. E. inspected the College’s facilities and laboratories and honored the inauguration of the new COMHS Hostel suites.On this occasion, Prof. Mohamed bin Ali El-Shafei, Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, said: "The COMHS has always sought to be a scientific beacon offering a distinctive model of private medical education in the Sultanate of Oman and abroad, focusing on the basic components of higher education, which is the methodology of education, scientific research, and community service." He pointed out that the College is keen to provide an integrated campus that contains multiple facilities to serve students and enhance their sense of comfort and safety. These new COMHS Hostel suites are certainly tangible evidence of what we are doing for the comfort of our students.

Prof. Al-Shafei added: The new COMHS students' Hostel suites, are equipped with comfort, modern facilities, and distinctive engineering designs. This project is also characterized by its green surroundings and outdoor sports fields for practicing sports activities. The new COMHS students Hostel suites project consists of 3 buildings, each building has 4 floors, and 150 rooms equipped with all services as well as living rooms, study and deliberation rooms, and various activities.