To return to normalcy and offline lessons in the new academic year – 2021/2022 – a few institutions have confirmed that vaccination will be mandatory for students to attend classes in their colleges and universities. 

A statement issued by Sultan Qaboos University said, ‘SQU is keen about the health and safety of its students, and it supports the efforts of the National Immunisation Campaign against COVID-19. Therefore, the university urges you to take the COVID-19 vaccine at the nearest vaccination centre of the Ministry of Health in all governorates of the sultanate. Due to the imminent start of the 2021/2022 academic year, the university stresses the need for students to get vaccinated as a condition to attend university. Wishing everyone continued health and wellness.’ 

Speaking to Muscat Daily, an official of a private university said, “We have sent a message to our students that they should get immunised against COVID-19 in order to return to class.” 

Muhammad Ali, father of a student, said, “The university sent a message saying 75 per cent of students must be vaccinated so that lessons start offline.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is continuing to vaccinate school students of 12 years and older. The ministry has confirmed that there are joint efforts between the ministries of Health and Education to vaccinate the 12 to 18 years age group – a total of 320,000 male and female students – with the first dose which will facilitate their return to classrooms in the new academic session.