King Khalid University to boost graduate employment prospects with cutting-edge IT training

The initiative is set to provide KKU with the tools and resources needed to teach students how IT technology can empower individuals, enable integrated business processes and inspire strategic thinking - vital skills that will figure prominently in the realization of Saudi Arabia'sworld-class development blueprints.

SAP's UAP has to date signed up 28 institutions across Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and the companyaims double that figure within the next four years.

Supporting existing business, engineering and IT programs, the UAP provides hands-on experience ofkey SAP technologies, including enterprise resource planning (ERP), and puts theory into practice through demonstrations, case studies and research.

"Saudi Arabia's rapid development has fuelled a demand for a higher education system that is dynamic and where innovation, entrepreneurship and vision are nurtured," said Dr. Abdullah Al-Mohaya, CIO, KKU. "SAP's UAP fits perfectly with our educational philosophy, and will help us raise the standard of graduates that can secure influential leadership positions inbusiness, industry and government,as well as play notable roles in Saudi Arabia'scontinually evolving vision and goals."

Founded in 1998, the rapidly-growing KKU is one of the largest centres of learning in the Middle East institution with around 70,000 students. Key faculties include Computer Sciences, Sciences, Medicine and Engineering. eLearningdeanship at KKU is part of the university's continuous efforts to provide the latest scientific methodologies to improve the educational process.

"The awareness and willingness of KKU's educators to embrace cutting-edge IT is tremendously exciting. The skills and knowledge imparted by SAP's UAP are built to last will have a lasting impact on graduates that, ultimately, have the potential to shape the future of a nation," said Ahmed Al-Faifi, Managing Director, SAP Saudi Arabia.