Several female students at the Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz University in Al-Kharj reportedly fainted due to a pungent odor emanating from sewage systems near the campus’ chemistry lab, said Eisa Al-Dosari, general supervisor of public relations at the university.
“The university has equipped its labs and study halls with high-quality equipment, including safety measures,” he said. “The problem was dealt with immediately.”
Al-Dosari also refuted claims made by several female academics that there was a lack of Saudi students in the medical and health specialties. “Health specialties are rare, but the university has done its utmost to attract qualified nationals,” he said.
The university has formed several specialized committees to look into the matter, he said. “Health specialties at the university are given top priority.”
“Our Saudi recruitment program meets requirements, whether faculty members, lecturers or higher education students enrolled in the King Abdullah Scholarship Program.
“The university regularly publishes announcements for jobs in the health sector,” Al-Dosari said. “There are more than 150 Saudi women employed as professors or lecturers at health colleges, in addition to 132 scholarship students.”
Al-Dosari also addressed claims of misconduct among faculty members and ill-treatment of students.
“Misconduct is unacceptable,” he said. “The university promptly answers queries and has an efficient channel of communication with students. We are very strict in implementing penal measures against anyone who is found guilty of misconduct on campus grounds.
“The reports that have been recently filed by some parents against lecturers in our medical and applied sciences department are being taken very seriously because dignity and academic quality are our utmost priorities,” he said.
Female students faint due to foul odor
