UAE’s education issues similar to Malaysia

A new study claims that the higher education system in the UAE has many shortcomings and the quality of education in many UAE universities and colleges is poor.

The United Arab Emirates' education sector has witnessed a growth that have surpassed many countries attracting international students from all over the world. It became an impressive international education hub. The UAE offers an interesting studying environment coupled with luxurious reputation. But does it really hold to its reputation?

Al-Fanar Media reported that of a study lead by Sanaa Ashour, an assisting professor of education in Abu Dhabi, found that in spite of the numerous regulatory bodies, the quality of education in the country is questionable and many graduates lack skills needed in the employment market. Moreover, the UAE has an overwhelming number of private institutions, many of which are of poor quality.

Ashour's study was published in The Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, a peer-reviewed periodical.

The study had reviewed universities and colleges extensively and have found, through numerous surveys, evidence that support claims made by employers.

Higher Education authorities in the country have opened the door to listen to the findings of the study in an attempt to explore possible solutions and develop of strategies to fix these issues.

In spite of the fact that the country is one of the wealthiest nations in the world because of the sheer amount of crude oil, the nation's effort to develop a sustainable higher education model was not as fruitful as they’d hoped.

One of the major problems the country faces is related to language. Experts in the UAE have highlighted that a significant number of high schoolers in the Arab state aren't ready for higher education. High school leavers seem to struggle with both classical Arabic and English. This, in return, leads to a difficult situation where students couldn’t comprehend complex topics discussed at higher education level.

Eventhough schools in UAE consist of a 12 years  of education before enrolling in university, many students have to go through foundation studies to prepare for university education. Foundation programmes typically takes one additional year and it often focuses on student's competency in English, math and specific subjects before their college degree starts.

Ashour estimates that foundation costs 30% of the country's spending of the higher education budget.

Besides pressuring national high schools to produce better graduates, the authorities are trying to end the foundation programme in the three public universities. Additionally, they have put some private universities under probation and barred student enrolment at these institutions.

Interestingly, the Gulf State has around 35 branch campuses of global universities that include New York University and Sorbonne University.

Malaysia is doing much better

Many might not believe this, but evidence show that Malaysia is doing much better in terms of education and higher education.

Malaysia has at least 5 public universities that rank among the top 500 universities (UPM, USM, UKM, UTM and UM). Many Malaysian private universities are excelling in terms of research and academic performance. In fact, several Malaysian private institutions have made it into the global rankings like Universiti Teknologi Petronas.

Yes, there are several low quality private institutions in Malaysia, but the number of reputable institutions take precedence. Malaysia is global education hub and is considered in the top 10 most desirable study destination globally.

However, employers in Malaysia face similar problems in terms of hiring fresh graduates. Much like UAE, employers here have pointed out to the lack of English proficiency and communication skills among Malaysian graduates.

Malaysian schools are for 11 years not 12. Students will go through foundation/asasi/ or any other pre-university programme without adding extra years to their academic journey. There is also MUET which certifies students' English capabilities before enrolling in a degree programme.

English language problems in Malaysia are undeniable, but they do not compare to the level of English in a country like the UAE. Schools and universities in Malaysia are constantly improving the level of English among Malaysian school leavers and graduates.

Malaysia doesn't not need 35 branch campuses to produce quality research. Malaysian universities are actively involved in collaboration efforts with many world renowned universities to produce better research and climb higher on the global ranks.

The comparison with the Arab state shouldn't be viewed as an excuse to drag the development efforts in Malaysian education further. There are many problems within the education system that require immediate attention. Moreover, problems in the education system here aren’t limited to the quality of teaching and training. Malaysia has issues related to the racial and cultural clash among the social components of the Malaysian society.

There is a slow movement towards reforming the education system here and many Malaysians have called for a faster action and more aggressive approach to fixing urgent problems. Malaysia should be a nation that a country like the UAE might emulate and model their higher education after.