Faizul Haque
Muscat - Muscat University, a private, innovative and entrepreneurial educational institution, will open its doors for admissions in 2016, according to officials.
A group of prominent Omani businessmen have pooled their resources for the private, not-for-profit institution of learning to be established in the city. Isis Innovation, Oxford University's technology transfer company, will act as lead consultant for the project.
Dr Juma bin Ali Al Juma, chairman of the founders' committee of the proposed university, said the aim of Muscat University was to produce graduates who have the aptitude and skills needed to assist growth in the private sector. The curriculum will be designed, keeping in view the requirements of the private sector as a central focus. It is also expected to have a positive impact on the growth of employment opportunities in the country, said Al Juma.
Without divulging the details of the exact location, programmes and number of seats to initially be available, Al Juma said that the structures, facilities and staffing of the new university were being planned with a view to accepting the first foundation programmes students in September 2016, as the initial admission of undergraduate students would follow in September 2017.
"The vision of Muscat University is to create a centre of excellence, where academic achievement directly contributes to the development of an entrepreneurial culture in Oman, and a positive force for the expansion of the private sector," he said.
He informed that Muscat University was being steered by a founders' committee which comprises stakeholders and active members with experience in education, who are aiming to establish Muscat University as the leading university in the region, with the highest standards of teaching and research.
Regional framework
Al Juma also said that Isis Innovation would develop the framework of the university, advise on positioning it in a regional context, and develop an implementation plan for academic programmes, research and innovation, together with an extensive knowledge of transfer programmes.
Isis members will also guide the implementation of the overall project plan, with project delivery, running in parallel with construction of the new campus, which will be located in Muscat, forecast to take approximately three years. Once the university becomes fully functional it will open its doors to students from abroad, said Al Juma.
Juma bin Ali Al Juma and Tom Hockaday, managing director of Isis Innovation, yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at a ceremony held under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Taimur bin Assad Al Said.
After signing of the MoU, Tom Hockaday told Times of Oman that Isis Innovations would be working on many aspects of development of the university. "I would suggest that the university should be opened with a very limited number of seats and then it should develop and expand gradually, without compromising the quality of education it intends to impart."
He added that the "metrics of success includes the establishment of Muscat University with strong business links and of spin-off companies, which are both areas in which we have extensive experience."
© Times of Oman 2014
