Dubai: The Middle Eastern region needs to produce more graduates choosing to major in scientific disciplines, like engineering, to ensure the successful development of regional, knowledge-based economies.
This notion was presented by John Weidman, Professor of Education and Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh at the recent Gulf Comparative Education Society Symposium in Ras Al Khaimah.
He referred to a recently published World Bank report on Middle Eastern and North African (Mena) development in education reform.
"Many countries in the region believe science to be very important for national development," said Weidman.
"However, people argue there is no incentive for people to major in science because government jobs don't require scientific knowledge and expertise."
He added that in some countries in the region 75 per cent of students choose to major in humanities while only 25 per cent choose science.
"In fact the overall average for students in the region choosing science is about 25 per cent ranging from 10 per cent in Egypt to 21 per cent in Tunisia."
Weidman compared the Mena figures to those of China, where he reported 46 per cent of undergraduate students major in science and engineering.
"Science is important for the Mena region to build various and specific types of technology and develop patents in areas like water," he said. "The various processes for desalination for example are very crucial for the existence of this region." He added that the potential variations for further development of existing solar technologies could all stand to be initiated indigenously if more students majored in the sciences.
"Saudi Arabia is a good example because there are virtually no women majoring in engineering," said Weidman. "People complain about preparing educated people for national development but if there are no women engineers you've squandered half the population."
By Rania Moussly
