With regard to the article “Why do we spend a quarter of the state's budget on education when it is the worst?” (Nov. 1), the Ministry of Education has made great changes, but unfortunately, those changes have not produced the desired results. Why? Because on the ground floor, we still have professors, lecturers, and teachers who are pressured to simply “pass” students who are not deserving. Basically, we still have the culture of giving free handouts. The solution is a sweeping verdict from the King saying: “No more handouts.” Pressure should be put on schools and universities to make sure that all grades are real and earned. Jonathan Cazalas, Online response II. The Kingdom's education authorities must have third party auditors and conduct audits/exams of all college instructors and professors in order not to continue to produce half-baked graduates. At the same time incentives should be given to students to encourage them to take vocational and technical courses. Dandi, Online response III. As a teacher, it has always been my understanding that it was necessary to develop seriousness toward education in the minds of students. They must develop interest, love and respect for studies. Saudi students do not lack the ability to learn, but they do lack the seriousness required. Also if students from other countries are encouraged to join Saudi colleges and universities, it bring about some good changes in higher education. Ghulam Nabi, Online response IV. I see a lot of Saudi students going overseas for higher education. Some are good but most often I see that they adopt a modern Western style of life. They should be sent to the Islamic University of Madinah for two months to increase their Iman (faith) and improve their character. This will help to improve the image of our country when they arrive in a foreign country representing the good people of Saudi Arabia. Fairoze, Online response
