In common with many other developing countries, particularly in the Gulf
region, Oman has been experienced on educational renaissance over the last 35
years. This renaissance put substantial pressure on HE, and created considerable
disquiet within Omani society, as the majority of young secondary school
graduates are unable to be accommodated in the one state university and other
colleges. Consequently, the country's mission to 'Omanise' its workforce (and
thereby rely less on expatriates and migrant workers) is far from being achieved,
particularly in the private sector agencies. Questions naturally follow regarding
the adequacy of state planning for HE and the implementation of the vision
whereby Oman's younger generations can fully contribute towards Omani life in
all respects - economically, socially, and culturally.
This study takes the HE context in Oman as its focus, considering issues
relating to its development and expansion, and concentrating specifically on the
provision for, and progression of, Secondary School Graduates (SSGs) to HE. In
this regard, the study aims also to investigate different demands for HE, socially
and economically, and to identify the vision, aims, policies, and implementation
plans of HE as currently articulated in the country's published Development
Plans, with particular reference to the Vision of Oman Economy 'Oman 2020',
and the 5th and 6th FYDPs. It explores the funding, administration and
management of HEIs, and considers in detail, the contribution made to the
country's HE sector by private institutions.
Using two research techniques of documentary analysis and an exclusive
interview with fifty key figures, senior and influential personnel and stakeholders
in Omani HE, HRD organisations, industry and society at large, the study reveals
the challenges currently facing HE system. It demonstrates the limitations of HE
provision and the serious mismatch between the nature and level of the system's
outputs, and the country's development requirements. It proceeds to offer
suggestions regarding the need to enhance the future vision and plans of HE, the
state role in the administration and financing of HE and the benefits that might accrue from public-private partnership and cost-sharing measures. It considers, in
particular, re-structuring the sector in order to make more effective use of
resources, remedy the current various difficulties and to promote the future plans
and provisions this extremely vital aspect of the nation's development.