RECENT press reports suggested that a Saudi university paid $2 million to an Australian institute in bribes to get a higher position in the list of reputable international universities. I don't have the means to authenticate the report, but expects a National Anti-Corruption Commission investigation into the issue. The reports did not mention the name of the Saudi university accused of paying bribes and the commission should take action against the university if the claim was true, for involving in corruption and wasting public money. The commission has already asked the Ministry of Education to give clarification on the issue. For the last few years, Saudi universities have been seen obsessed with obtaining advanced positions in Shanghai, Biometrics and other international classifications. This is undoubtedly the right of Saudi universities and it shows their desire to appear in the list of prominent international universities and establish their position in the global academic map. But the question is whether our universities have really made outstanding achievements to claim leading positions among international universities in terms of student performance or educational environment? Do they try to polish the appearance, ignoring the essence? In my opinion, the 34 Saudi public and private universities should double their efforts to strengthen their academic capabilities and improve their academic programs and curricula to cope with speedy developments in various specializations around the world. If our universities achieve this vital primary objective, then the classification agencies would search for them instead of the universities running after them. The focus should be on students by creating a suitable academic atmosphere for them and appointing qualified teachers capable of providing them with positive thoughts and novel study plans. They should conduct various events that would create intellectual discourses to enhance students' knowledge. The obsession of Saudi universities to win top positions in global classifications has weakened their position compared to other universities. Excellence cannot be achieved by just appointing winners of international prizes as researchers paying huge amounts in salaries just to claim that ‘our university has well-known international researchers.' Excellence cannot be achieved by just showing the plan to manufacture a Saudi-made car whose future is still unknown. Instead of boasting about achievements on paper, we should have something tangible on the ground. Excellence means creating intelligent students with great ideas and capable of making excellent contributions in various sectors. Universities should support and encourage such skilled students who can make great contributions to the nation. They should also supply highly qualified manpower required for the labor market. This way a university can play a significant role in boosting the nation's progress and prosperity. It is high time our universities stop running after glamor as it would not serve the purpose for which they were established. Instead, they should focus on setting out short and long-term strategic programs benefiting the nation and its people. With regard to the bribery allegation against the university, I hope relevant agencies would issue necessary clarification soon.
