Earlier this year, to mark 45^th National Day, NBO created 15 universities scholarships for students from low-income families, who upon completion of their studies will be offered a two-year employment contract with the bank.
Additionally, NBO has employed 25 graduates within various divisions of the bank and will give five existing employees the opportunity to study for an MBA at a top international business school, the London Business School. Top performing employees are currently undergoing a rigorous assessment exercise and short-listed candidates will be announced during the second quarter of 2016.
Mr. Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, Chairman of NBO, said: “NBO’s 45^th National Day scholarship programme embodies the bank’s ongoing commitment to support and upskill the Omani youth in line with its CSR strategy: For You. For Our Nation. The 15 young students who earn a place on the programme will have the ideal platform to become future leaders of Oman’s financial services industry.”
A student from Al Batinah region, Hakima Al Hosni, was selected as the inaugural NBO 45^th National Day scholarship recipient. After being enrolled in an intensive English, Social Studies and Business undergraduate foundation programme at Bellerbys College in the UK, she will go on to complete her undergraduate degree at The University of Strathclyde.
Mr. Ahmed Al Musalmi, CEO of NBO, said: “Supporting the educational aspirations of talented young Omanis is a core commitment shared by all at NBO. The Bank’s 45^th National Day scholarship programme has created a wave of interest and excitement among young students across the Sultanate. I would encourage all eligible candidates with the necessary ambition and ability to apply to the programme and give their careers a major boost at a very early stage.”
NBO had invited high school graduates from low-income families across the Sultanate (from social welfare families), with a minimum scholastic achievement of 85%, who are unemployed and looking for a long-term career with NBO, to apply for the university scholarships. Shortlisted candidates were invited to an assessment centre and had to meet the university’s entry requirements to be successful.
Scholarship participant Hakima Al Hosni added: “I am delighted to have been selected as the first recipient of NBO’s scholarship programme to celebrate the 45^th National Day. This scheme will enable young Omanis to study at some of the world’s top higher education establishments and is a great starting point for those interested in a career in the financial services industry. I am currently completing the intensive English programme at Bellerbys College in the UK and I am looking forward to starting my undergraduate studies at the University of Strathcylde next year.”
An official announcement will be made in due course on the recipients of the 14 remaining university scholarships.