26,500 graduates gained jobs in nine months: Abdul Majeed

JEDDAH, 15 May  — Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed ibn Abdul Aziz announced, during the graduation ceremony held at King Abdul Aziz University, on Sunday that over 26,500 graduates had successfully found employment during the last nine months.

“Plans are under way to employ 50,000 more graduates in the coming months,” the governor said.

Prince Abdul Majeed said that he is aware that many positions which do not need high qualifications are occupied by foreigners. “We will take necessary steps to make sure they are all replaced by Saudis soon,” the governor said.

He also mentioned that there are committees involved in this issue that will monitor the job market. “A women’s committee to monitor women’s job market has also been set up,” he added.

Over 2,500 students were honored at a full program that was opened by the governor and attended by Dr. Khaled Al-Anqari, minister of higher education.

The program began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by a speech by Dr. Ghazi Madani, rector of King Abdul Aziz University. Dr. Madani congratulated the graduates and wished them a successful career.

“This university provided you with all the elements of success until you graduated. Good staff, laboratories, facilities and workshops were all provided for you and we expect all of you to represent the university and give it a positive image by performing excellently in your future careers,” said Dr. Madani.

This was followed by the graduates’ speech delivered by Saleh Al-Ruhaily, who said that the stereotype of Saudi graduates seeking furnished and air conditioned office at work had ended for good.

 “We are a generation who loves adventure and enjoy tackling heavy duties under the heat of the sun and the machines of the factories to serve our country,” Saleh said.

Graduates of the faculty of medicine took their oath in front of the governor. He then handed all the graduates their certificates and degrees and wished them a great career.

The program ended with a memento handed to Prince Abdul Majeed from King Abdul Aziz University.