Saudi Arabia university wants to hire more Pinoy teachers

A university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is planning to hire more Filipino faculty members and to grant more scholarships for deserving Filipino students. Um Al-Qura University president Bakri Bin M'atoog Bin Bakri Al-Assas disclosed these plans to Philippine ambassador Ezzedin Tago, who visited the campus April 25. "Assas invited interested applicants to submit their applications through the Embassy.  He also said that the University looks forward to cooperation agreements with Philippine universities and it is willing to accept Filipino Muslims as faculty and teaching assistants in various academic fields," the Department of Foreign Affairs said. Tago thanked the Rector for the University's readiness to receive more applicants for admission and scholarships in the university. He said he would convey to Philippine universities, especially those in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the opportunities for scientific collaboration and openings in the university. During his visit, Tago was told there are 19 Filipinos, both male and female, studying in Um Al-Qura University on scholarship grants. "The Filipino students are studying Islamic shariah, dawah and propogatio, and Islamic studies.  There are also Filipinos studying Arabic for non-speakers," the DFA said. Both officials also exchanged views and discussed matters related to supporting cooperation between the University and Philippine universities in scientific research. Also, Tago thanked Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz for the scholarship opportunities granted to Filipino Muslims in the University. — LBG, GMA News