A delegation of Mauritanian nationals residing in Saudi Arabia met with Mauritania's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Yakob Ould Amin, to discuss challenges faced by the diaspora in accessing higher education. The delegation presented several demands aimed at improving access to university education and scholarships. They emphasized the need to address difficulties faced by Mauritanian students in Saudi Arabia in accessing higher education opportunities.
The delegation requested the resumption of studies at the University of Laayoune Islamia, taking into account the social and economic conditions of the diaspora community. They also called for the abolition of tuition fees to alleviate financial burdens on students and their families. Additionally, they urged the activation of a decision to establish a study unit affiliated with the University of Nouakchott to expand higher education opportunities for the diaspora.
The Mauritanian diaspora in Saudi Arabia also demanded that the government open up opportunities for Mauritanian academic and scientific expertise in Saudi Arabia to contribute to university teaching. They suggested that the government contract with these experts and utilize their experience and specialties. Furthermore, they requested that students graduating from Saudi educational institutions be allowed to compete for full scholarships at Egyptian universities.
The delegation emphasized the need for the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to oversee all scholarships provided by Egypt, including those known as "scholarships for students from abroad". They argued that this would ensure transparency, equal opportunities, and proper organization. The delegation also proposed the adoption of a unified electronic platform allowing the diaspora to apply to various Mauritanian higher education institutions.
The Mauritanian diaspora in Saudi Arabia suggested that the government work to allocate more study seats in countries close to Saudi Arabia, such as Gulf countries, Turkey, and Jordan. This, they argued, would reduce pressure on available scholarships in Egypt and expand educational options for the diaspora. They also urged the Mauritanian cultural attaché in Saudi Arabia to follow up on internal scholarship opportunities at Saudi universities.
The delegation called for coordination with Saudi universities to establish specific scholarship opportunities for Mauritanian students residing in Saudi Arabia. They also requested that a portion of scholarships available under the "Study in Saudi Arabia" program be allocated to the Mauritanian diaspora residing in the kingdom. The delegation expressed hope that the government would address their demands and improve access to higher education.
According to the delegation, Minister Yakob Ould Amin acknowledged the government's commitment to prioritizing the Mauritanian diaspora in Saudi Arabia in accessing scholarships provided by Egypt and other countries. He also revealed ongoing discussions with Mauritanian embassies in Jordan and Syria to secure additional scholarship opportunities. The minister announced that 60 new scholarships would soon be available for the Mauritanian diaspora in Saudi Arabia.
Key points
- The Mauritanian diaspora in Saudi Arabia presents demands to Minister of Higher Education to improve access to university education and scholarships.
