Oman to Recruit 4,000 Teachers in 2025/2026 Academic Year
In a significant move to bolster its educational infrastructure, Oman has announced plans to recruit 4,000 teachers for the 2025/2026 academic year. This initiative aims to accommodate the growing number of students and enhance the quality of education across the Sultanate. The decision comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to improve the education sector, address teacher shortages, and ensure that schools are adequately staffed to meet increasing demands.
Educational Growth and Expansion
Oman’s education sector has witnessed continuous growth over the years, driven by strong government support and the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The number of students in government schools has significantly increased from 678,000 in the 2020/2021 academic year to 817,000 in 2024/2025, marking a 20.5% growth. This surge in student numbers has led to the need for more teachers and school facilities to ensure a high standard of education.
To accommodate this rise, the number of government schools is also projected to expand. In the 2020/2021 academic year, there were 1,182 schools, and this figure is expected to reach 1,306 by 2025/2026, reflecting a 10.4% increase. The expansion of schools will help distribute students more evenly across institutions, reducing overcrowding and improving learning conditions.
Teacher Recruitment and Omanisation Efforts
The Ministry of Education has been proactive in increasing its teaching workforce to keep up with the growing student population. Over the first four years of the 10th Five-Year Plan, 15,000 Omani teachers were appointed, marking a significant rise compared to the 6,800 teachers recruited during the ninth plan. The additional 4,000 teachers to be hired in 2025/2026 will bring the total number of teachers recruited under the current plan to over 19,000.
This recruitment drive aligns with Oman’s broader Omanisation strategy, which aims to increase employment opportunities for Omani nationals in various sectors, including education. By focusing on hiring local teachers, the government seeks to create more job opportunities for its citizens while reducing dependency on expatriate workers.
As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Labour announced that 2,469 expatriate teachers across different subjects have been replaced with Omani job seekers. This move highlights the government’s commitment to prioritizing local employment and ensuring that more Omanis can contribute to the nation’s educational development.
Private Education Sector Expansion
Oman’s private and international school sector has also experienced significant growth over the past few years. The number of private and international schools, including kindergartens, has risen to 1,223 in the 2024/2025 academic year, up from 880 in 2019/2020, representing a 39% increase.
Similarly, student enrolment in private schools has expanded rapidly. In 2019/2020, there were 189,000 students enrolled in private institutions. By 2024/2025, this number had grown to 233,000, indicating a growing preference among parents for private education. Additionally, 96,000 children are now enrolled in pre-school education, reflecting an increasing awareness of the importance of early childhood education in Oman.
The rise in private schooling has contributed to easing the pressure on public schools, allowing for better student-teacher ratios and improved learning environments.
Preparations for the New Academic Year
To ensure a smooth transition into the 2024/2025 academic year, the Ministry of Education recently appointed 3,233 new teachers, including 691 males and 2,542 females. This increase in the teaching workforce aims to meet the educational demands of the growing student population.
With these new appointments, the total number of teachers in government schools has now reached 61,195, achieving an Omanisation rate of 87.6%. The high percentage of Omani teachers in government schools demonstrates the success of the government’s efforts to localize employment in the education sector.
In addition to hiring more teachers, the Ministry has focused on expanding school infrastructure. Sixteen new school buildings were inaugurated for the 2024/2025 academic year, with plans already in place for the construction of 35 more schools to accommodate future student growth. These developments will ensure that classrooms remain spacious, well-equipped, and conducive to effective learning.
Investments in Educational Infrastructure
Significant investments have been made to enhance the overall educational environment in Oman. The Ministry of Education has allocated funds for renovating and upgrading school facilities, including refurbishing science laboratories, improving sports fields, and modernizing classrooms with new learning technologies.
Transportation is another key area of investment. The Ministry has designated an annual budget of RO4.8 million for procuring 800 new school buses and renewing contracts for over 20,000 existing buses. These efforts will ensure that students have safe and reliable transport to and from school.
Additionally, a long-term agreement has been signed to replace 5,000 school buses over the next five years. This initiative aims to enhance student safety, reduce travel time, and improve accessibility for students in remote areas.
Conclusion
Oman’s commitment to strengthening its education sector is evident in its strategic recruitment of teachers, expansion of school infrastructure, and emphasis on Omanisation. The government’s proactive measures, including hiring 4,000 new teachers, constructing more schools, and investing in educational resources, demonstrate a clear focus on enhancing the quality of education across the country.
These efforts aim to equip Oman’s youth with the knowledge and skills needed for future challenges while supporting the nation’s long-term socio-economic development. With continued investments and strategic planning, Oman’s education system is set to grow and evolve, ensuring that students receive a high-quality learning experience that prepares them for a bright futu
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