RAK signs pact with US varsity

The agreement was signed by H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Dr. Gail W. Wells, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of the NKU, at a function held at the Ruler's Court here.

The partnership envisages exchange programmes between faculty, educational personnel and students and would enable talented students from RAK to visit the summer camps at NKU and join the NKU faculty mentors in research and creative projects.

It also calls for providing training opportunities, like summer workshops, for faculty, administrative and educational personnel to improve educational and teaching practices and enhancing learner centered activities.

Sheikh Saud said at the signing ceremony that the agreement would augur well for the development of the educational sector of Ras Al Khaimah.

He said that the ability to imbibe change and the urge for constant innovation holds the key to progress and development in every field, including the educational sector. 'Steps should be taken to improve the quality of education by constant assessment and benchmarking of our standards and performance', he added.

Dr. Gail W. Wells said that the NKU was pleased to have got an opportunity to enter into a partnership that held tremendous possibilities for the future.

Under the agreement, the NKU would provide distance education courses and develop academic programmes for school principals and administrators. It would also develop satellite educational programmes in RAK and would provide opportunities for students from Ras Al Khaimah to enroll for undergraduate and graduate degree programmes at the NKU.

The Northern Kentucky University, situated near Cincinnati, Ohio has around 11,500 students, served by a 1220 strong faculty and staff.

Abdullah Ali Mussabah, Director of the RAK Educational Zone and senior faculty of NKU were present on the occasion.