His Majesty King Abdullah reiterated on Monday that education is one of the country's fundamental responsibilities.

In a letter addressed to some 1.6 million students across the Kingdom who went back to school Monday, the King expressed hope and confidence that the new academic year will represent a step forward in the drive to develop, modernize and upgrade the education sector.

His Majesty said the country's students must enjoy similar levels of education to allow them to compete fairly on the basis of their competence and efficiency and to step into professional life with confidence, success and distinction.

The King emphasized the importance of pursuing hard work to provide a healthy educational environment.

“Our ambition in this regard is centered on doubling efforts, expediting work so that the Kingdom's schools will become model schools in terms of student numbers, teachers' efficiency, facilities and services,” the King added.

“We will also work to provide an encouraging and high level of vocational education to increase job opportunities for graduates,” the King said, expressing support for teachers.

The letter was read on Monday by Education Minister Tayseer Nueimi at the Aqaba Comprehensive Secondary School for Boys.