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Why JUST ranks top

Sep 10,2017 - Last updated at Sep 10,2017

For the first time in the history of academia in Jordan, one of our public universities is ranked amongst the top 500 university internationally by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking. Two others ranked among the first 1,000.

The Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) holds this achievement with pride; it came as a result of serious and cumulative work over the years.

Since its establishment in 1986, this academic institution excelled in both education and research. The “Jewel of Jordanian Universities”, as it was called by his late Majesty King Hussein, has always been special and different when compared to other local and regional education institutions; it created an atmosphere of excellence amongst its academics and employees.

JUST is not only an educational institution, it is also a vibrant research centre that publishes nearly 1,000 peer-reviewed world-class research articles annually. Furthermore, most of the faculties at JUST are internationally accredited for their excellent educational level and for updating their curricula in accordance with the most recent international recommendations. 

Moreover, stability and continuity has enabled successive administration to set strategies and have enough time to apply them. The outcome celebrated today was set years ago. Most academic staff and employees at JUST worked hard to achieve this rank and were an essential part of this achievement.

Further efforts are needed to support and maintain this achievement. For example, by having JUST funded by the government for obtaining this rank as a national achievement.

Reaching this level without government funds indicates that JUST could achieve another milestone by getting generous funds not only from the government, but also from national private companies and institutions.

Funds are important at this point to develop further educational and research capabilities, and to the university’s infrastructure.

Building robust partnerships with private sector is also very important.

JUST should also be marketed as a world-class international university to attract more international students. Though JUST has many international bonds and partnerships, attracting international students and establishing joint post-graduate programmes with reputable international universities will be an important step towards achieving an even better rank in the future.

More work should be exerted to develop the university’s campus and create a student-friendly environment.

This could be done through securing further funds and creating partnerships with local services providers that could invest in the campus, and make their services available to the university students.

Another important issue is maintaining administrative stability at the university. The Ministry of Higher Education and decision makers in the government should be aware of the fact that administrative stability is one of the main reasons the university reached the current achievement.

Presidents at JUST usually serve for their full term and the university is usually free from political interferences and sudden administration changes. Furthermore, JUST may be the only local university that has never experienced student violence so far.

It is important to congratulate JUST for this outstanding achievement. However, it is more important to support the university to keep progressing in a highly competitive academic world.

Investing in human resources has always been a strength point in Jordan. This was made clear in the 7th discussion paper released by His Majesty King Abdullah, “Developing Human Resources and Education Imperative for Jordan’s Progress”.

For the past 30 years, the Jordan University of Science and Technology has set an example on academic and research excellence. Today it still carries its message in creating well educated generations and continues to play its part in human development, and for that, this academic institution should be supported generously. 

 

 

The writer, [email protected], is associate professor of clinical pharmacy and practice at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology. He contributed this article to The Jordan Times.

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