Minister Announces University Expansion

Syria plans to establish as many as 28 universities in the next two years, Higher Education minister Ghiath Barakat told the central council of the national teaching union.



Al-Baath newspaper reported on April 30 that Barakat said there was to be a university in every province, and between 20 and 28 such institutions – private as well as state – would be set up over the next two years.



The minister said the government was thinking of establishing a national board for teaching standards.



Barakat praised the teaching union for the role it plays, and said his ministry would seek its input on higher education matters.