Why the UAE Ministry Just Revoked Horizon University College’s License?

Horizon University College, Ajman, is currently reviewing its institutional license after the official decision of the MoHESR of the UAE to cancel it. The order also stops all accreditations of academic programs, which would halt the school’s operations. The announcement has created widespread concern and panic among the students, parents and education professionals in the nation.

The significance of the decision lies in Horizon University College being a long-standing institution in the UAE. The regulatory action will support the UAE government’s ongoing initiatives to increase the academic quality, institutional accountability, and student protection in the higher education sector.

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Why Did the UAE Ministry Revoke Horizon University College’s License?

The decision comes after the MoHESR had conducted intensive inspections to find “significant and recurrent breaches” of the UAE’s higher education laws, according to a statement. The university’s management “repeatedly failed” to meet the national academic and management practices standards even as it underwent ongoing regulatory monitoring, the ministry said.

Officials determined that these deficits had a detrimental impact on the delivery of the school’s education. The ministry also voiced worries about the university’s ability to operate on a sustainable basis, while protecting the interests of students.

Academic Standards Were a Key Concern

There were violations that went beyond the administrative and directly affected the educational environment, the ministry explained. When the operation of the institution was assessed, it was found that the continued operation of the institution was a risk to academic quality, the sustainability of the institution and the credibility of its programs.

MoHESR said therefore protecting the students is its utmost priority. The action taken by the ministry is perceived as attempts to maintain trust in the UAE’s internationally recognized higher education as well as promote the systematic adherence to the approved academic benchmarks in the country’s universities.

Immediate Operational Restrictions

This has led to a ban on most college activities as of now. Horizon University license is revoked and college may no longer provide academic instruction, or enroll new students, under the terms of this license.

Furthermore, the institution has not been allowed to advertise academic programs or create any new academic qualification or to issue academic transcripts. The restrictions are still being applied on the ongoing changeover for students currently enrolled.

What Happens to Current Students?

The Ministry of Higher Education has taken a comprehensive protection plan that recognises the possible impact on students. A dedicated joint task force has been set up to coordinate with University and other licensed institutions nationwide in the UAE.

The main goal is to allow the impacted students to switch to reputable universities without great hassle. The ministry has stated that they will do their utmost to ensure success of each course and keep completed coursework and academic credits, so that students can pursue further education without any undue delay.

A Stronger Focus on Academic Accountability

The UAE takes a firm stance to crack down on private HEIs with action against Horizon University College. Authorities have always pointed out the importance of making sure that universities within the country adhere to high academic, administrative and governance norms.

These measures, experts in education say, uphold the UAE’s efforts to ensure world-class institutions of higher learning and to ensure student safety from higher learning institutions that fall short of the agreed-for quality standards. The change is also an effective statement that all licensed higher education providers must adhere to regulatory compliance.

What This Means for Higher Education in the UAE?

The closure will cause disruption for some pupils that may affect them in the short term but the ministry’s response has been swift to minimise disruption in the long term. The coordinated transfer process is intended to safeguard students’ future in the educational system while protecting the confidence in the country’s education.

The UAE’s rapid growth of the higher education sector is likely to be accompanied by increased monitoring and quality assurance. Institutions are likely to be further monitored to ensure they consistently provide quality education across the education standards.

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