مجلس التعليم

An extract from a speech by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, may his soul rest in peace, on the Opening the Annual Session of The Council of Oman, 14 November 2006

" You are aware of the importance we attach to the development of human resources and to creating more and better education, training and employment opportunities for our sons and daughters. This theme occurs in almost every one of the speeches we address to you, and through you to all the people of Oman. It is not surprising that this should be so, because human beings are the cornerstone of any civilization and without them no civilization can develop or continue to survive. We should therefore like to re-emphasise this point, which is such an important factor in the development and modernisation of society.

Knowledge and work are inseparable; it is not possible to have one without the other. It is through the two together that nations can develop their illustrious qualities and shape their present and future existence. And it is through the two together that human beings can fulfil themselves and achieve their aspirations for a decent, stable life and a future brimming with hope and expectation. We are certain that Omani society is fully aware of this fact.

At this point we should like to announce that we have decided to provide private universities with appropriate assistance to encourage them to perform their great task of supplying the community with people who are highly qualified both academically and practically. In doing so we aim to help them improve their performance and the performance of their graduates in every field of work demanded by the world of today. And it is God Who grants success".