Private Colleges in Oman

Recently, there has been a large expansion in the number of private higher education institutions in the Sultanate. Within the last few years, more than 20 colleges and universities have opened their doors to both Omanis and non-Omanis from the Sultanate and abroad to pursue their higher education. Some of these colleges have gained a reputation of excellence such as Caledonian which is according to the people I come in contact with is one of the best (if not the best) higher education in Oman. Its graduates are sought in the private sector for their high skills ( well, that's what I hear, not trying to market the college).

However, many of these colleges are business-oriented and compete for students. Also, a lot are manged by disqualified personnels and Wasta is a prevalent phenomenon. Here is a story from one college. A student graduates with honours degree in information technology, yet he doesn't know how to disconnect from the INTERNET! The guy used his personal connection within the college to obtain "full marks" for some of his subjects, I mean 100%. This same guy also managed to make his friend passes a subject he has already failed its exam.

Also, I was given a whole exam paper for one student to translate so he can understand it well before going to the exam. The paper was of computational topics full of new terminologies. The student admitted that they never studied these topics and cannot comprehend its meaning especially as he is studying in English beginner level. These topics had to be in the curriculum so they don not have to do it again in 1st year of their specialty, thereby can cut short a year of their studies!

I wonder about the role of the the ministry of Higher Education in monitoring the curriculum of the colleges. Such irresponsible method of teaching can't be tolerated. The colleges need to be put under close surveillance or the consequences can be severe for the higher education sector and the Omani society in general.

Careless driving!

I feel like writing right now. Guilt overwhelms me. Just now I almost caused a stupid accident. I felt irritated by a car coming into my lane while I was going fast. So I overtook it from the right and immediately turned into the other lane in front of the car who sounded the horn. I felt so bad. People who recklessly drive always disgust me with their sick attitude. Today I felt like one of them. I guess this is the toll we pay for our confidence. I’ve been driving for 5 months now and didn’t cause any accident, Thank God. I am always careful even to tiny things when I am behind the wheels.
Ironically, the same situation happened to me but in reverse where I was the victim of careless driving. I remember, I was so outraged that I followed the man's car and called the police. He would have been in prison by now if it wasn't for my tolerant brother.
This time as well, the guys followed my car into SQU until I stopped. Once I realized they were trailing me, before I turned my engine off, I straight away went to talk to them. I first started apologising and admitting my mistake. The guys were more understanding but surprised with my unprovoked irresponsible driving. Really I feel ashamed. I have always stood against careless driving and here I was doing it myself!
Driving is fun. Once you get the grip of it, you enjoy being on the road. It is arts by itself. It is like you are drawing on the road with your car. It requires a lot of attention and care so your painting is well crafted and more appealing.
I promise, I will drive with more care and pay more attention to the road. I promise I will not be furious about other's careless driving. I will stay calm and pray for their safety.