"The Kingdom needs your services," he told graduates of Tabuk University yesterday.

More than 2,000 students received their degrees during the ceremony. Prince Fahd, who distributed degrees to outstanding graduates emphasized the need to solve the country's unemployment and housing problems.

However, he pointed out that such problems could be found in every country. "How can there be unemployment in a country that hosts more than seven million expatriate workers," he asked.

The governor told the graduates that there is no shame in working. "It's a honor," he added.

He commended Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for taking concrete steps to solve the country's unemployment and housing problems.

He also referred to various development projects being carried out in various parts of the province. "We should be proud of our country and its leadership."

He thanked the Higher Education Ministry for announcing plans to open the university's branches in all major cities of the province.

During the ceremony, Prince Fahd also announced that Prince Sultan Cultural Center would now onward become part of the university.

"I am very happy to attend the convocation ceremony to celebrate the graduation of more than 2,000 students. I am also happy to learn that the university has now more than 20,000 students on its rolls," the governor said.

Prince Fahd earlier inspected the university's new projects including an administrative tower building, colleges of science, medicine and medical sciences and housing for staff and students. The new projects will cost more than SR 2 billion.

"The new projects include emergency buildings for the college of education for girls, a building for preparatory courses, a department complex and a mosque," said Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Anazi, president of the university.

Dr. Walid Kassab, supervisor of projects, operation and maintenance, briefed the governor on the progress of projects. "About half of these projects would be completed this year and the rest next year," he said.

Prince Fahd urged authorities to complete the university projects on time, especially the housing facilities for students.

Addressing the graduation ceremony, Dr. Al-Anazi said Tabuk University would continue its efforts to enhance its academic standard in line with leading universities in the country.

He disclosed the university's research projects and commended Prince Fahd for his support. There are two research chairs named after Prince Fahd bin Sultan for advanced technological research and youth development. The university has a center for conducting research in nanotechnology. "Prince Fahd chair has been instrumental in conducting research on the reasons of major diseases," the president said.