ABOUT 12 years ago with the emergence of the international ranking of universities, our universities were at the bottom of the list. According to reason and logic, being in such a position meant that we would need to do something to change the situation. So, a race began with many Saudi universities establishing departments dealing with quality assurance and accreditation. As a consequence, foreign expertise was brought in, committees were formed and specialized working teams held training courses and executed projects both within and outside the Kingdom. Billions of riyals were spent from the higher education budget. However, it is strange that the National Authority for Assessment and Accreditation, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Education, takes millions from university budgets in exchange for providing support and then reviewing and granting certificates. I have no objection to increasing the quality of education. The pursuit of quality is a duty and achieving it is a wish that I pray becomes true. However, I do wonder whether if, after so much money has been spent and the passing of so many years, our universities have improved. By this I mean whether the level of development of graduates academically, scientifically and culturally has improved to allow them to become intellectuals, scientists and inventors who are able to win international awards. Have our universities reached an international level? Have they succeeded in providing innovative programs to serve our community? This is what must determine the success of a university. Is quality an ultimate goal desired by our universities? Or is the purpose to acquire a high international ranking, something that can be attained through routine procedures? As we begin a new academic year, it is appropriate that we review and audit expenses in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
