Muscat – In a move aimed at enhancing student readiness for the job market, University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) officially launched a professional student registry called Itqan on Sunday.

The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, at an event that brought together officials, academics and stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

Itqan is a strategic platform designed to systematically document students’ professional activities throughout their academic journey. The registry not only validates and accredits these experiences but also bridges the gap between academic learning and workplace expectations.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Saeed bin Hamad al Rubaie, President of UTAS, described Itqan as a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing mission to align higher education outcomes with national development goals.

“The student professional registry represents more than a documentation tool; it is a structured framework that equips our students with the practical skills and competencies demanded by today’s dynamic labour market,” he said. “It will empower students to take ownership of their professional growth, fostering a culture of self-learning and innovation.”

The registry encompasses a broad spectrum of professional and extracurricular activities, including on-the-job training, field visits, optional training, workshops, professional certifications, competitions, hackathons, exhibitions, part-time jobs, volunteer work, entrepreneurial projects, scientific publications, and intellectual property contributions.

Upon graduation, each student will receive, in addition to their academic degree, an accredited professional record – a value-added credential that will enhance their competitiveness in both local and international job markets.

Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Shibli, Vice-President for Academic Affairs at UTAS, emphasised that Itqan is the result of a collaborative approach involving stakeholders from the private sector, government bodies, professional associations and the university community.

“To ensure its effectiveness, we engaged our partners early in the development phase. Now, with their continued support, we are fully committed to implementing the registry in a way that best serves our students’ future,” he said.