Sheikh Dr Sultan Chairs Meeting To Enhance Sharjah's Higher Education Strategy And Governance
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, led the second meeting of the permanent executive committee of the Sharjah Higher Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research. The session took place on Tuesday morning at University City. H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan welcomed the members and highlighted the council's future role, focusing on improving university governance and strategic planning.
The committee explored several topics, including future plans and the council’s work report. Discussions covered organisational structure, strategy, subcommittees, academic staff promotion, evaluation criteria, research, and innovation affairs. These elements are crucial for enhancing higher education in Sharjah.
H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan approved a preliminary budget of AED 18 million for the rest of the year. He also endorsed a new logo and headquarters for the council at University City. Furthermore, he instructed the committee to manage scholarship affairs in Sharjah's higher education institutions by adopting governance frameworks.
New scholarship standards were introduced for postgraduate studies, mirroring those for bachelor’s degrees. Students registered in Sharjah with a monthly income below AED50,000 will receive full scholarships. Those earning more will get 50% fee grants.
The committee reviewed university admission conditions to ensure they align with labour market needs and student interests. They also examined the diversity of academic programmes and specialised fields offered by universities.
Full scholarships will remain available for children of imams and students with disabilities through funding from the Emiri Diwan. Universities will provide special discounts to high achievers in academics, sports, research, and other areas.
Committee Members' Contributions
The meeting included key figures such as Dr Mansour bin Nasar from the Sharjah Government Legal Department; Dr Muhadditha Al Hashemi from the Sharjah Private Education Authority; Professor Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi from the University of Sharjah; and Dr Mohammed Yousuf Baniyas from the Sharjah Private Education Authority.
The committee was tasked with coordinating between universities and scholarship providers—governmental, semi-governmental, and private—to streamline processes. This coordination aims to enhance educational opportunities for students in Sharjah.
The meeting underscored efforts to correct administrative concepts within universities while promoting strategic planning initiatives. These steps are intended to improve overall governance in higher education institutions across Sharjah.
With inputs from WAM
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