In a virtual ceremony, the Arab Open University (AOU) celebrated on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, the graduation of the 2019/2020 batch including 5505 graduates in 8 countries under the patronage and presence of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the AOU Board of Trustees.
A group of Arab academics, graduates' families and friends, the AOU staff, and a number of guests attended the ceremony online. Starting with reciting verses from the Holy Quran, the ceremony then involved a speech by the chairman of the AOU Board of Trustees, and a speech by the AOU President, Prof. Mohammad Al-Zakari. Next, a top student, Reem Abu Harab, delivered a speech on behalf of all the graduates. Through live broadcast, HRH Prince Abdulaziz honors a group of top graduates from 8 countries.
In his opening speech, HRH Prince Abdul Aziz bin Talal said, “ I am pleased to congratulate the graduates of the Arab Open University for the academic year 2019/2020 and their families for the achievement that we celebrate today, which is the culmination of their work and effort over the past years."
Prince Abdul Aziz added, “Today, as we celebrate virtually, with our graduates from various Arab countries, we complete with you the mission of the university, and the visions of its founders, HRH Prince Talal bin Abdul Aziz, Rest his soul in peace, on the right of each person to learn and acquire knowledge, without geographical, economic or social obstructions." And “More than two decades ago, it was no within prospect, or near reality, for higher education institutions to see the holding of graduation ceremonies virtually, and today, due to the circumstances the world is going through; As a result of the effects of the COVID19 pandemic, we pray for its end. This has become a reality; that called states and governments to develop learning techniques and methods, and distance education to become the ideal and most effective model on a global scale."
Also, the chairman of the AOU Board of Trustees said, “Here, we are entitled to be proud of our leadership in this field in which the universities of the world are competing, trying to catch up with our footsteps after the Arab Open University achieved a real leap in the Arab higher education system, by adopting two systems; Distance education and blended education, and its alumnae constituted a qualitiative addition to their societies embodying, after nearly two decades, the importance of t he vision of the founder and his leadership, rest his soul. In addition to the Arab Open University's proof of its ability and flexibility to meet all the standards and requirements of accreditation bodies in its branches in different countries."
Video of the ceremony: Click Here...
