Final exams, summer term set to continue as scheduled in Kuwait amid regional tensions
KUWAIT: Kuwait's education authorities have confirmed that schools and universities will continue operations as scheduled, with emergency plans activated to ensure the safety of students, educators, and administrative staff.
The statements come amid rising regional tension after the Zionist entity launched an unprovoked aerial bombing campaign on Iran Friday, striking military and nuclear facilities and reportedly killing dozens, including senior commanders and civilians. Iran responded with overnight missile and drone attacks on the Zionist entity, deepening instability across the region. Kuwaiti Authorities have moved swiftly to reassure the public that despite the volatile regional environment, academic operations—including final exams and the start of the summer term—will proceed without disruption, under heightened readiness and safety measures.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research said on Saturday it is monitoring developments 'closely and in continuous daily coordination with the relevant authorities.' The ministry emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of all students and staff across its affiliated institutions. 'Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Nader Al-Jalal has directed all affiliated entities to activate emergency plans and raise readiness levels at all levels,' the ministry said in a statement. 'It is crucial to maintain accurate and on-the-ground follow-up to ensure the safety of the academic community and the continuity of the educational process without interruption.'
Emergency teams in universities and research institutions are said to be highly prepared and in direct coordination with civil defense and other national agencies to enable immediate response measures if needed. The ministry reassured students and parents that the summer academic term will begin as planned on Sunday, with all safety protocols in place. 'The summer semester will launch tomorrow as scheduled and in accordance with approved academic plans,' the ministry confirmed, adding that all educational institutions are on full alert to provide 'a safe and stable learning environment.'
90 shelter centers
In a parallel effort, the Ministry of Education has announced the activation of field emergency plans and the readiness of 90 fully equipped shelter centers, currently under the supervision of civil defense teams. Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei held a virtual meeting on Saturday with educational leadership to review school readiness and ongoing safety coordination. He emphasized the importance of strong inter-agency collaboration to maintain safety and educational continuity. 'Emergency response teams in educational regions and schools are at a high level of readiness to respond to any incident,' the ministry said. 'This ensures the safety of students during final exams and protects teaching and administrative staff, while allowing the educational process to continue smoothly.'
The ministry also confirmed that Grade 12 second-term final exams are proceeding without changes to the schedule. 'The second-term exams for Grade 12 students are continuing according to the approved timetable, with no modifications,' the ministry said. 'Exam operations and control procedures are running smoothly under the direct supervision of the minister and educational leadership.' Both ministries concluded their statements by assuring students and families that daily coordination with authorities is ongoing, and that all necessary precautions are being taken to protect the stability of the educational system. 'We pray that Kuwait, its leadership, and its people remain safe and secure,' both ministries said in closing remarks. — Agencies
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