“The university contributes to the promotion of educational leadership and community development”, Hisham El-Tahawy.
By: Zainab Ali
Dr. Hisham El-Tahawy, AOU Assistant President for Academic Affairs and Scientific Research and AOU Acting President, confirmed in his statement to Gulf News that the University continues to provide innovative quality higher education and, moreover, pursues its non-profit education services in order to contribute to the growth of the local community and individuals.
He further stated that the University, as a non-profit educational institution, was founded in 2002, and its presence in nine different countries highlights its leading role in providing innovative quality higher education. Furthermore, he added that the University was established with its clear vision to provide educational services that contribute to the growth of the local community and the development of individuals who aim to flourish both academically and professionally.
In addition, Dr. El-Tahawy highlighted the University's main strategies for successful stakeholder engagement, as: first, being effectively active and present in the local community through cooperation with educational, industrial and commercial institutions, as this cooperation proves to enhance the University's role as a development-led educational institution. In addition, adopting effective marketing strategies via social media and the University's official website. Finally, participating in exhibitions and conferences.
From another perspective, Dr. El-Tahawy explained that the University has three main Faculties: The Faculty of Business Studies, the largest in terms of the number of students; The Faculty of Linguistic Studies, which offers Bachelor's and Master's programmes in English language and literature; The Faculty of Computer Studies, which has recently witnessed major updates, including the launch of The Bachelor in Graphic Design Technology, The Bachelor in Multimedia, The Bachelor in Cyber Security, The Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence, as well as The Bachelor in Data Science. Moreover, there has been added The Master's Degree in Computing – Information Security and Cyber Security Audit; which has just been accredited by the Higher Education Council, and is scheduled for rollout very soon.
Dr. El-Tahawy also stated that the University’s academic programmes are subjected to Periodic Programme Review in accordance to the system of Open University, UK, as it is keen to provide educational programs that meet the needs of the local and global labour markets. In the same regard, the University has established a mechanism to receive feedback from stakeholders, so as to identify the professional skills required from the local market and corporations and, also, to provide the best job opportunities for its graduates.
Speaking of the most sought-after academic programmes, Dr. El-Tahawy stated that Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence programmes are at top of the list due to the wide employment opportunities they offer, and also due to the great demand on such academic programmes from the local and global labour markets.
Last but not least, Dr. El-Tahawy affirmed the University's commitment to creating an educational environment of cultural diversity, based on the University's mission and vision of accepting students from various cultural backgrounds. He also asserted the University’s endeavour to provide an educational environment of inclusiveness that promotes cultural exchange and interaction, as a place which supports mutual respect among all students.
