The Prime Minister met with university leaders and educators during a Ramadan evening, emphasizing education reform as key to national recovery.
Prime Minister Meets University Leaders to Discuss Educational Reform
In a Ramadan evening gathering in the temporary capital of Aden, Prime Minister Dr. Shai’ Mohsen Al-Zandani met with several heads of government universities, their deputies, and a select group of academics, educators, and educational union leaders. The meeting aimed to address the pressing challenges facing the educational sector and explore strategies for improvement.
Addressing Educational Challenges
During the event, which included the Minister of Education, Dr. Adel Al-Abadi, the Prime Minister listened attentively to extensive discussions from attendees. They highlighted significant challenges within educational institutions, particularly concerning the conditions of teachers and faculty members. Participants also pointed out the inadequate operational budgets and the decline in support for scientific research. They emphasized the urgent need to enhance the educational environment to meet national aspirations.
The Importance of Education and Research
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister underscored the government’s view of education and scientific research as the cornerstone for shaping future generations and fostering societal awareness. He stressed that any national project aimed at recovery and stability would not succeed without comprehensive reforms in the educational system, from schools to universities, and from curricula to research initiatives.
Commitment to Listening and Addressing Issues
The Prime Minister noted that this meeting exemplified the government’s commitment to directly engaging with educational stakeholders. He stated that addressing any imbalances in the public employment structure remains a priority to ensure job equity and stabilize the education sector.
Economic Pressures Impacting Education
The Prime Minister also outlined the current economic and financial challenges facing the country, particularly due to the halt in crude oil exports following terrorist attacks by the Houthi militia on oil facilities and export ports in October 2022. This situation has led to a severe economic crisis and the loss of the primary sovereign resource for the national budget, compounded by weak oversight of other local resources.
Financial Strain on Salaries
Dr. Al-Zandani explained that these financial pressures have disrupted the timely payment of salaries for teachers and state employees. He acknowledged the significant role of Saudi Arabia’s supportive intervention in alleviating this crisis and stabilizing the national currency.
Investing in Education and Research
The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of increasing education budgets and supporting scientific research as a long-term investment. He assured attendees that the government would strive to allocate available resources more efficiently, recognizing that teachers are pivotal to any reform process.
Attendees of the Meeting
The meeting also included Dr. Ali Atbosh, Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Khadr Nasser Lsour, President of Aden University, Dr. Ahmed Mahdi Fadhel, President of Lahij University, and Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed Al-Maisari, President of Abyan University.
This gathering marks a significant step toward revitalizing the educational sector in Yemen, highlighting the government’s dedication to reform and improvement in challenging times.
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