University of Nizwa Achieves High Omanisation Rate at Foundation Institute, reflecting its Commitment to the Local Talent
Prof. Abdulaziz Al Kindi Dr. Ahmed Al Rahbi
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The University of Nizwa has witnessed an increase in the Omanisation rate at the Foundation Institution from the beginning of 2019 to the present, as The Ministry of Higher Education, Research & Innovation encouraged higher education institutions to Omanise academic jobs. Ishraqah highlighted the University's experience and perseverance in attaining the desired Omanisation rate in the foundation institute.
The University made a bold move in recruiting the new young Omanis for instructor positions, Prof. Abdulaziz Al Kindi, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, said, “The University initially had a small number of Omani instructors, but the experience we had witnessed proved that Omanis are qualified with excellent academic performance. The Foundation Institute's policies and guidelines have aided in the bold initiative of increasing the number of Omanis, making the recruitment process easier. As it is a promising field for Omanis, we at the University of Nizwa are eager to expand the number of Omanis in academic jobs, through our policies and guidelines, we strive to develop effective leaders".
The increase in the Omanisation rate aligns with the University's attitude, goals, and strategic plan. Dr Ahmed Al Rahbi, Foundation Institute Director, said, “The Foundation Institute provided opportunities for young qualified Omanis to be in the position of instructor. Omanis have proven themselves in the responsibility assigned to them. Great satisfaction from the management and students of the Omani instructors' performance ”.
Having a high rate of qualified Omanis teaching the English language has significant advantages, Dr Al Rahbi mentioned, “Implementing the Omanisation policy at the Foundation Institute has proved to be beneficial for both the institution and the students.The Omani instructors, being from the same background, are more familiar with the challenges faced by the students while learning the English language”
The University aims for a balanced faculty ratio in the foundation institute, with 70% being Omani nationals and 30% being non-Omani nationals. Halima Al Harrasi, a Human Resource Employee, said "The University aspires to achieve 70% Omani instructors and 30% non-Omanis instructors at the foundation institute". She explained, “The 70% Omanisation figure is influenced by the number of students admitted each academic year. The 70% figure includes both the full and part-timers”.
Reflecting on the semesters' evaluations of the Omani instructors, she said, “ Omani Instructors excel in their evaluation rate and play an important role in being level coordinators and assessment and curriculum coordinators which reflects that the foundation institution depends on them”.
Prof. Al Kindi mentioned,“We acknowledge the importance of having competent and qualified instructors, so the candidate will be interviewed by the Academic Competencies Committee to be an admitted instructor."
Speaking to Isharaqh, Naseeba Al Kindi, an Omani instructor at the Foundation Institute, said, "Being an instructor at the Foundation Institute granted me horizons of great opportunities not only in teaching but also in attending the TESOL Arabia Conference in Dubai, and participating in the research for the third addition Unlock series from Cambridge University, which contributed to my self and career development."
The Foundation Institute's management aims to enhance the skills of newly appointed Omani instructors by implementing a mentorship program, in which experienced instructors provide guidance and support to the novices throughout their teaching journey. Furthermore, the Foundation offers opportunities for Omani instructors to pursue their higher education. The institution has a significantly higher proportion of female instructors compared to male instructors, despite management's efforts to balance gender Omanisation.
