Abu Dhabi:Emiratis are keeping away from the teaching profession and action is needed to address the issue which has national security implications, said a report by the education committee at the Federal National Council.

“The rapid decrease in numbers of Emirati teachers will lead to more independence on expatriate teachers, a matter that conflicts with policies on Emiratisation and development of human resources.

“Emirati women teachers account for 44.7 per cent of the total number of teachers, while men represent on 3.5 per cent in the academic year 2010-2011,” according to the report.

Dr Mona Al Bahar, a member of the FNC from Dubai and chairperson of the education committee at the council, said shortage of Emirati teachers should be seen as an issue of UAE national security.

Dr Mona said statistics showed almost no one has enrolled to study to become a teacher in the UAE, stressing that the UAE was facing a threat to national security.

Many members of the Federal National Council told Hussain Ebrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, that the ministry should look after talented students, and to adopt a methodology that helps discover these talents, guide them, and focus on them as future projects that provide a unique imprint on the map of innovation.

They underscored the importance of developing education plans in a way that complements development in other sectors, so that a new generation of Emirati graduates can meet the current and future needs of the national knowledge-based economy.

They called for the development of curriculums, teaching methods, bolstering national identity and preserving the Arabic language, English language, science and mathematics..

Al Hammadi said education will witness a complete transformation, which will primarily depend on innovation.

The minister said a new law regulating public schools and looking after gifted students will be presented to the House soon.

Al Hammad added that plans are developed from the recently launched National Innovation Strategy, which focuses on integrating knowledge in the field of science, engineering, technology, mathematics and other specialisations to ensure future graduates meet the requirements and needs of a knowledge-based economy.