Saudi- 10 students receive excellence award

(MENAFN- Arab News) The national center for assessment in higher education (nca) or 'qiyas" honored its top 10 saudi students under a ministry of higher education program on sunday

The event held under the aegis of education minister prince khaled al-faisal and higher education minister khalid al-angari was organized by the association for the second year in a row at the king fahd cultural center in riyadh in the presence of parents and media personalities

'the award reflects the center's role and vibrant contribution to national education" said prince faisal bin abdullah al-mishari nca director

He said that the nca's initiative to honor outstanding students underlines their desire to encourage educational institutions to excel in their respective fields and contribute to the growth of quality education in the long run

High school student graduates undergo intensive testing before going to college to gauge their capacity and also select the courses for which they should enroll

'this will also encourage research and fair competition between candidates" said al-mishari. 'the center has instituted a special 'award for excellence' on the basis of scientific criteria similar to international awards with the same goals.

'this award was created to promote a culture of excellence and honor distinguished students" he said. 'it also aims to strengthen the role of the nca locally and globally.

The award in the science category is conferred annually on 10 boys and 10 girls from secondary schools in both the science and art sections he said

Students will have scored highest in general aptitude tests administered by the center a year ahead of the award according to guidelines that are applicable to both saudi and foreign students" said al-mishari

'the award is based on several criteria and balances between both potential and achievement" he said.