His Majesty is an outstanding leader

With His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said recently marking 47 years at the helm of Oman’s progress and economic reformation, residents in the nation did not shy away from heaping praise on their beloved ruler. His far-reaching achievements in modernising the Sultanate’s education sector were widely hailed.
 

“His Majesty Sultan Qaboos is an educationist and a profound scholar,” said MD Abdul Basith. “Before His Majesty Sultan Qaboos took over in 1970, there were only three schools in Oman, with a total of 900 students, and all of them were boys. Today there are over 1,000 schools, with a total enrollment of 4,82,000 students, with almost half of all students being girls.

“Girls and boys may go to separate schools, but their education is similar,” he added. “Children’s education goes through primary, preparatory, and secondary stages. Some students attend college or technical training institutes after secondary school. The Sultan Qaboos University was opened for classes in September 1986. Sixty-five per cent of its students are female.

“The literacy rate in 1995 was determined to be about 59 per cent for Omanis over fifteen years of age,” added Basith. “But since then, hundreds of adult-education and literacy centres have been established to help eliminate illiteracy. None can resist the charm of his personality. To know him is to love, respect and admire him. We wish and pray for the Sultan’s health.”

Vinay Ashar was also quick to praise His Majesty’s modernisation efforts. “His Majesty Sultan Qaboos is a wise and benevolent leader who is respected worldwide,” he revealed. “He has made Oman into the modern country it is today while retaining some traditional values, always striving for the welfare of the Omani and expat population living in Oman, and attempting to bring peace to the region. May he be blessed with good health and a long life. The Sultan’s efforts to promote the nation as a bastion of peace and tolerance were highlighted by many residents in Oman.

...[ Continue to next page ]