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As in other sectors of Omani
society, the education system was radically altered after
the accession of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Prior to 1970,
there were only three primary schools in the sultanate--in
Muscat, Matrah, and Salalah. These were reserved for around
900 boys personally selected by the sultan from among many
applicants. Additionally, in Muscat there was a religious
institute with an enrollment of fifty boys, three private
schools for Hyderabadis (Indians), and one United States
missionary school serving fifty foreign girls. Sultan Qabood
bin Said initiated a shift in the government's policies and
priorities from neglect to development of the school system,
increasing the public's access to general education.
Education is free for Omani citizens through the
university level. In 1970 only 3% of all elementary
school-age children were in school. By 1997 this figure was
up to 76%, and enrollment in secondary schools was 67%.
Sultan Qaboos University in Ruwi was opened in 1986 and now
has more than 4,000 students. Oman also has eight
teacher-training colleges, nine vocational institutes, five
technical institutes, and eight Islamic colleges. About 40%
of the population is literate. |
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