JEDDAH, 1 July 2005 — The representative offices of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in Riyadh and Jeddah have announced that its new academic term will begin in July.

The end of term examination of the university, which offers distance education, ended yesterday.

The exam commenced on July 1 and 300 candidates of 17 nationalities appeared for bachelors, management and computer programs.

“The examination and course programs were periodically supervised by an observer from the Consulate General of India on behalf of IGNOU,” said Riaz Mulla, coordinator for IGNOU. “The consulate has been very cooperative.”

Some of the examinees said they were more than pleased with the way IGNOU affairs were conducted in the Kingdom. “Course material given to us has been exhaustive and easily comprehensible,” said Kulsum Fatima, a Jeddah housewife who was taking the examination for one of the courses. “I discontinued my studies after I got married and came here. IGNOU opened up the doors for furthering the academic career for women like me who are home-bound,” she added.

Candidates taking the bachelor of education courses were particularly satisfied with the program. “This program is helpful for career impetus and the advantage is that even while holding a regular job I’m able to pursue the bachelor’s course through distance learning,” Jamila Khatoum said.

Waris Hassan is an engineer by profession but has nurtured the ambition of doing an MBA. “I’m hopeful of fulfilling my ambition through IGNOU’s MBA program,” he said. “There are many like me employed here in mid-level positions and once they complete the MBA program it will surely contribute toward their career growth.”

Those doing master’s said they had been holding jobs with just their bachelor’s degrees. “We surely stand to benefit from IGNOU’s masters degrees,” said Muhammad Iqbal Qureshi, who holds an office job.

IGNOU is widely recognized in the Commonwealth and worldwide. More than 1.7 million students are taking IGNOU courses in different countries.

IGNOU, which offers doctoral programs, is mainly favored for its bachelor’s and master’s programs. Long-distance students in this part of the world have shown their preference especially for IGNOU’s degree programs for English, computer and library and information sciences, computer applications, IT, computing and computer literacy.

Its bachelor’s programs in science, nursing, hospitality and hotel administration, postgraduate diploma in maternal and child health and health management are also being opted for. Its management and tourism programs are also now becoming popular.

“Our enrollment is on the increase with the new term set to begin next month,” said Riaz Mulla.

— IGNOU representatives can be reached in Jeddah on 6671500 and Riyadh 2153537.