More than 100 students at Taif University were surprised when the special tests held for lecturer’s posts in the university had questions on sports, specifically rules concerning various games.

The test included questions like the measures taken if there is a tie-game in basketball.

A number of students said such questions were not included even in sports workshops, or a conference to amend rules of the game. All the questions on sports should have been directed to sports specialists, or experts in the sports field, they said.

An official at Taif University undermined the importance of answering the sports question, but stressed that it was vital for applicants to be updated on general knowledge according to the changing environment.

The president of Taif University, Abdul Ilah Banaja, said: “The questions are not related to the field of the specialization of study. The students will become university professors one day, and they must acquire good knowledge in all fields, be it social, sports, politics or general culture.”

He said the test comprises two sections, one on the field of study specialty and the other pertaining to general knowledge and information. He said all girl students should be familiarized with all issues facing society, but it is not the end of the world if they cannot answer a question on the sports field.