

MUSCAT, FEB 28
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen data governance and enhance evaluation systems in higher education, the Ministry of Education, through the Directorate-General of Scholarships, organised a specialised workshop for private higher education institutions.
Representatives from 26 institutions across Oman attended the session, which focused on clarifying evaluation standards and the process for entering data into the designated electronic assessment form.
The workshop reflects the ministry’s commitment to improving the accuracy, consistency and reliability of institutional data, in line with Oman’s digital transformation agenda and strategic higher education goals.
Participants were guided through the approved evaluation criteria based on clearly defined performance indicators. By promoting a unified methodology, the ministry aims to minimise discrepancies in interpretation, ensuring consistency in data submission and analysis.
The session included an overview of the electronic form structure, classification of indicators, and technical procedures for accurate data entry, emphasising alignment with supporting documentation to enhance transparency and credibility.
Officials highlighted that robust, high-quality data are essential for generating reliable performance reports, benchmarking progress, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.
The workshop featured interactive sessions where participants raised questions about indicator calculations, documentation requirements, and reporting timelines.
Fahad bin Said al Qasabi, Acting Director-General of Scholarships, stressed that adherence to approved evaluation standards is crucial for advancing institutional excellence. He noted that data quality is now a strategic asset, underpinning informed planning and policy formulation.
He added that the ministry continues to upgrade electronic systems and reinforce data governance practices to ensure accuracy, accountability and integration among stakeholders, ultimately contributing to improved institutional performance and academic outcomes.
The initiative underscores the importance of data in shaping educational policies and monitoring sector development. Accurate indicators help institutions and policymakers identify strengths, address gaps and allocate resources effectively.
Through capacity-building programmes and technical workshops, the ministry aims to foster a culture of precision, accountability, and continuous improvement within private higher education institutions.
These efforts seek to transform evaluation from periodic administrative exercises into sustainable, systematic practices embedded in institutional operations.
As Oman’s higher education sector expands and diversifies, strengthening evaluation mechanisms and improving data integrity remain key priorities. The workshop marks a practical step toward a more cohesive, transparent, and performance-oriented ecosystem, supporting national aspirations for quality education and long-term socio-economic development.
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