The University is one of eight submissions ‎shortlisted in this category. The shortlist reflects the top performers in eight categories: excellence and innovation in the arts; international strategy of the year; student recruitment campaign of the year; teaching and learning strategy of the year; technological or digital innovation of the year; workplace of the year; outstanding support for students; and leadership and management team of the year.

There are also two categories based on THE DataPoints data: the improved performance award and the social impact award.

An-Najah University has joined the competition in the framework of the UniGov project “Improving Governance Practices and Palestinian Higher Education Institutions”. The project was led by Dr. Kherieh Rassas, Vice President for International and External Affairs in cooperation with Dr. Mohammed Al-Najjar, Director of the University's Projects Unit, Dr. Nidal Dwaikat, Vice President for Development, Planning and Quality Assurance.

The UniGov project seeks to address weaknesses in the existing governance systems across higher-education institutions in Palestine. By establishing a comparative study with European benchmark universities, the project seeks to establish a governance framework and then adopt innovative practices to improve existing structures.

Prof. Maher Natsheh, President of ‎An-Najah thanked all partners and ‎colleagues who contributed to this achievement, noting “to be shortlisted in such a hotly-‎contested category is a testament to the hard work of the Palestinian higher ‎education sector and our staff as well as our determination to achieve an ‎international reputation for delivering outstanding outcomes for our graduates.

Nearly 66 institutions from 22 countries and territories are included in the shortlist for 10 categories.