The increase in gratuities and allowances of members of the academic staff in Saudi universities has been praised by the Minister of Higher Education and other officials. The incentives to university teachers were approved by the Council of Ministers on Monday. The Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Khalid Al-Anqari, said the Cabinet approval of the incentives reflects the great attention given by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and his Crown Prince to members of the academic staff. He said the Cabinet decision will positively contribute to improving the performance of members of the academic staff. Dr. Mohammed Al-Uwaihel, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, said the decision is very important for developing the education system in the Kingdom. ”The increase in salaries will encourage teachers and professors to offer their best services to increase the educational standards in Saudi universities,” Al-Uwaihel said. “Universities in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have to compete with famous educational institutions throughout the world,” he said. “Achieving such high educational standards requires us to have international universities, such as, King Abdullah University in Thwal,” he added. The incentives for teachers will also encourage Saudi youth to take up the teaching profession, he said. It will also help the government in its Saudization campaign, said Al-Uwaihel. In order to create a better educational work environment, the Cabinet has earmarked around SR5 billion for housing projects for teachers. These projects will include all needs of the teachers such as office space, labs, computer and Internet centers, said Al-Uwaihel. __
