Muscat: The new facility building named the Student Hub, was officially inaugurated yesterday at Middle East College (MEC) campus.
The inauguration ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Rawya bint Saud Al Busaidi, Minister of Higher Education, Oman, and in the presence of eminent people from the public and private sectors, MEC management, students and staff.
The 7,000 sqm new facility building will be the centre for all student-related activities and events. The building, which was designed by renowned Italian architects, Ramon Pascolat and Moira Morsut, includes sport hall, multipurpose hall with a seating capacity of more than 800 people, a student-run stationary shop, bazaar, gymnasium, prayer rooms, incubation centre, food court and other students’ services offices, to name a few.
Dr Rawya commented, “The higher educational institutions, both governmental and private have taken the responsibility to raise the students to reach the level of an integrated person mentally, physically, psychologically and socially to be able to serve their country in the future using their skills, energies and knowledge. The opening of the Student Hub at MEC comes to develop the problem-solving and appropriate decision-making skills in the students throughout the different events and activities. Henceforth, we congratulate the college for taking up this step, and we urge the other private higher educational institutions to take up similar major steps, especially after the completion of 75% of their permanent premises. In addition, the MEC Student Hub inauguration also points out the aspirations and ambitions of our distinguished students and academic staff that are, for sure, aware of their role in the higher education sector.”
“MEC always seeks to provide an enriching student life for each of the 5,000 plus students coming from 27 different nationalities around the world. The college is also committed to providing the best educational experience for its students within the campus and outside it. We believe that a true college life is not about studying only, but knowledge and cultural exchange opportunity and a chance to showcase and enhance the students’ talents and skills in every possible field. The Student Hub will definitely create the suitable climate for our dear students and inspire them to spend every precious moment of their time at the college in a way they will always remember,” said Dr Kiran G. R., dean, MEC.
The Student Hub is set up to provide the students with an opportunity to interact more with each other, exchange culture, and to enhance and practice their talents.