MAKKAH – Umm Al-Qura University has asked about 280 girl students — who come from neighboring governorates — to vacate its hostel by the end of this year. Parents have opposed the move saying it would affect their children's studies as their families would not be able to shift to Makkah. The affected students have already signed papers on the instructions of university authorities to vacate the hostel, which is likely to be closed in line with government's austerity measures. Umm Al-Qura President Dr. Bakri Assas said the decision was taken solely for financial reasons. "Our daughters were caught off guard when their supervisors asked them to sign papers to vacate the hostel without giving any warning or explanation," Ahmed Bin Ali Al-Naeeri, a parent told Okaz/Saudi Gazette, adding that it happened when students returned from mid-term holidays. "This move will prevent our children from continuing their education and force them to return to their townships," Al-Naeeri said and described the university's justifications as unacceptable. He said the university has taken this decision without considering the future of students. "Umm Al-Qura has been providing hostel services to girl students for several years," he added. The majority of girls who stay at the hostel came from Maysan, Al-Laith, Qunfudah and Kamil. "Their parents will not be able to shift their residence to Makkah. If the university did not revise its decision these students would be forced to discontinue their higher education," he pointed out. Farraj Al-Thaqafi also opposed the university's move to deny hostel service to girl students, saying the move contradicted its vision and mission. "It also goes against the government's efforts to spread higher education all over the country," he said. Shakir Al-Harthi also spoke about the difficulties faced by girls as a result of the new decision. "I have three daughters at the university and they come from Maysan, 150 km south of Taif. Maysan lacks university colleges. The closest university is located in Taif but it does not have hostel for girls." Al-Harthi said it was difficult for these girls to cross 300 km daily to study at Taif University as the long journey would weaken them and affect their studies. Moreover, they are likely to face accidents. Umm Al-Qura's decision would have a negative impact on girls coming from remote villages, he said. Hamoud Bin Abid Al-Thaqafi hinted at the university's decision to close its hostel. "Officials have taken signatures from students and parents to vacate the hostel by the end of this year in order to close down the hostel once and for all," he told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. The parents accused the university of wasting public money by renting a hotel to accommodate girl students for SR6 million and the rent agreement is for three years. "This amount would have been enough to provide these girls with housing for six years," one parent said. University President Assas and spokesman Adel Banaema did not respond when Okaz/Saudi Gazette contacted them to get their comments on the issue.
