Education

On February 27, when outlining his government’s proposed plan of action, Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit told parliament that he was firmly committed to extending financial support to the nation’s universities to overcome any funding shortfalls and to continue to expand their activities. Directing more energy and money towards courses that meet the needs of the economy will help give Jordan’s education system a sharper focus and provide students with the skills required to find employment after graduation.

Brunei Darussalam is planning to strengthen its technical and vocational education system by increasing the number of institutions providing training, expanding the range of courses on offer and establishing exchange programmes with neighbouring countries.

Given that a major part of the government’s strategy for Malaysia’s economic development depends on a dynamic education sector, plans by one of India’s leading educational providers is to set up a new $180m university in Kuala Lumpur have been welcomed.

The commitment of substantial funds to expand a preschool programme could be an important step in Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to improve its education system through greater financial support and better access.

Nigeria’s government is intervening to address understaffing at public universities following concerns over funding levels, while the private sector is also being bolstered to meet the country’s educational needs.

Qatar’s economy may be in the midst of expansion, with oil and gas income nearing an all-time high and GDP tipped to expand by up to 19%, but the country’s planners are looking to a far-off future where hydrocarbons play a less significant role in the economy, and their plans for diversification are based on education.