MUSCAT : The Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, alongside Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), has launched the fifth phase of the National Programme for Training University Students, known as Edaad. The program, which targets 250 male and female students, was inaugurated under the patronage of Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation.

Eng. Hamad bin Saif Al Hadhrami, Director of External Training and Development at Oman Oil Development Company, emphasized the importance of preparing students in their penultimate year of study by linking them with industrial institutions. This connection provides students with the flexibility and knowledge necessary to understand the specializations and skills demanded by the labour market.

Dr. Yasser bin Salem Al-Harthi, a studies and research expert at the ministry, highlighted the program’s growth since its inception in 2020. He noted the increase in the number of beneficiary students and participating educational institutions and stressed that the ministry continually evaluates the program to ensure its effectiveness.

The fifth edition’s launch ceremony also introduced the Specialization Alignment Initiative. This initiative aims to clarify the relationship between academic specializations and corresponding industrial roles, offering students and academics clear insights into career paths related to their studies. This initiative helps students make informed and responsible decisions about their careers.

Additionally, the ceremony saw the signing of a cooperation protocol between the industrial and academic sectors. Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi signed on behalf of the ministry, while Dr. Aflah bin Said Al Hadhrami, Managing Director of PDO, represented the company. This protocol aims to link the two sectors and provide systematic training opportunities for university students.

This year’s program includes 26 public and private higher education institutions and 31 companies and incubator institutions from the industrial and private sectors. Since its launch in 2020, the Eidaad program has graduated 694 students. The year-long national training program targets students in their penultimate year, offering them exposure to the work environment and equipping them with the necessary skills for their future careers.

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