The University President, Professor Rami Hamdallah, gave a press conference today, February 24, 2008, through the Palestinian Ministry of Information's "Meet an Official" program.   After being introduced by Mr. Majid Katani from the Ministry of Information, President Hamdallah took the floor to speak about the recent developments at An-Najah.
With over 16,000 students, 66 BA programs, 35 MA programs and 1 PhD program, An-Najah is the largest university in the West Bank.  It is known for its unique Career Center, scientific centers, and language programs.  "Over the last year, An-Najah has achieved some impressive successes," Prof.Hamdallah said.
President Hamdallah explained the current accreditation of the Faculty of Medicine and the project for the construction of a teaching hospital.   The hospital's mission will be twofold: to teach An-Najah medical students the skills necessary to be highly trained physicians and to provide much needed medical services to the local community.  The University has acquired the buildings; they now need to be remodeled.

In the same spirit as the teaching hospital, An-Najah is establishing a legal center which will provide legal services to the Nablus population and give Faculty of Law students hands on experience in the practice of law.

Expanding students' opportunities for hands on training and career relevant education is one of An-Najah's primary goals.  As such, the University has expanded its vocational programs.  In particular, the schools will offer night classes for working individuals who are not able to earn their degrees during the day. 

 In addition to the academic programs, An-Najah has recently finished the construction of a beautiful new campus which seriously reduces the overcrowding on the old campus.  Construction of a sports facility is currently under way.  The center will seek to instill a culture of sport and health among the student population.  A new library is also being built on the new campus with funding from the Arab Fund in Kuwait.

The University is seeking funding for the establishment of two new faculties: nursing and optometry.  Funding these programs is difficult due to the financial crisis that the University finds itself in.  Currently 10,000 students are on some form of scholarship and if promised funds do not arrive, students will be forced leave the country for education.  This will be detrimental not only to An Najah, but to Palestine.

Thus, President Hamdallah strongly urged donors to come through on their promises and the Palestinian Authority to fulfill its obligations to higher education in the country.

The economic problems effect not only the students but the staff who are not good paid compared to their counterparts in neighboring countries.  An-Najah is currently working on a program to improve their benefits packages and is negotiating with the Palestinian Authority to secure increased financial incentives for the University's staff.

After discussing the economic problems that An-Najah faces, the President went on to discuss the increased cooperation with international universities and influential persons.  Numerous ambassadors and counselors have come to speak at the campus over the last six months and over 75 An Najah students have gone on to study at foreign universities.

The President also discussed the University radio station that is trying to expand its broadcast area and bring increased professionalism to local media in Palestine.  The University has also improved its website.

"In the interest of promoting democracy, the University is supporting student government elections.  The election should happen some time early this fall," Prof Hamdallah stated.

After outlining these main points, President Hamdallah opened the floor for questions.