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Plans to establish a new branch of Bahrain’s largest public university – the University of Bahrain – in the Muharraq Governorate have encountered significant logistical and feasibility hurdles, according to initial assessments by the Education Ministry.
Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma, who also chairs the university’s board of trustees and the Higher Education Council, acknowledged the challenges, but said that discussions remain ongoing and the idea has not been ruled out entirely.
Dr Juma outlined key concerns during a recent reply to Parliament and the Muharraq Municipal Council, highlighting issues tied to the university’s operational model and academic system.
“Bahrain University operates on a flexible subject selection system per semester,” said Dr Juma.
“This means that students may register for a diverse range of classes that aren’t necessarily available at a particular branch. It would be extremely difficult to replicate the full academic offerings in a second location.”
He added that faculty mobility between campuses presents another obstacle.
“It is not feasible for lecturers to move back and forth between campuses to deliver one or two classes. That was one of the main reasons we consolidated our operations and moved from the Isa Town campus to Sakhir years ago.”
Dr Juma stressed that the goal is for students to take an average of five subjects per semester to ensure steady academic progress. “Frequent movement between locations could delay graduation and affect the overall academic experience.”
Despite the challenges, Dr Juma maintained a cautiously optimistic outlook.
“The studies are not final. We’re working toward a balanced, realistic and sensible solution. Nothing is impossible – though for now, a branch is not immediately possible.”
The proposal to open a Muharraq branch of the university gained momentum following directives from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. HRH Prince Salman instructed Dr Juma in February to conduct a comprehensive study after requests from both Parliament and the Muharraq Municipal Council.
Dr Juma said that while the public university branch remains under study, the government is actively encouraging private universities to set up campuses in the Muharraq Governorate as an immediate measure to expand access to higher education.
“This is not about saying ‘no’ – it’s about understanding the complexities,” he said.
“We remain open to ideas, and we will continue examining this proposal carefully and responsibly.”
Parliament’s services committee vice-chairman and MP representing the Bahrain International Airport area Mohammed Al Olaiwi, expressed concern about the direction of the study and urged the Education Ministry to pursue solutions instead of shelving the idea.
“We are deeply invested in this proposal,” said Mr Al Olaiwi.
“We want to see the initial and final studies, and we want the minister to explore how this can be achieved – not how it can be dismissed.”
He argued that a university branch in Muharraq would serve a growing population of students and reduce the burden of long commutes.
“I believe it’s possible – where there’s a will, there’s a way. We need options, we need compromise, and most of all, we need commitment to making higher education more accessible.”
Muharraq Municipal Council Chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar also weighed in, proposing a hybrid solution that could address many of the logistical concerns raised by the Education Ministry.
“We are not demanding a full-scale branch from day one,” said Mr Al Naar.
“Why not start with hosting certain lectures and examinations at a Muharraq campus, while other components are delivered online or in Sakhir?”
Mr Al Naar said that blended learning methods, already common due to recent technological advances, can help bridge the gap. “Let’s not forget that the pandemic taught us valuable lessons about virtual learning. These can be adapted to serve the students of Muharraq effectively.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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