The University of Jordan (UJ) President, Prof. Nathir Obeidat, affirmed that the bright future of higher education in Jordan remains secure despite the ongoing technological revolution, emphasizing that AI and technology are inevitable and that educational institutions must adapt and utilize them effectively.
Obeidat made these remarks while participating in the inauguration conference of the Generation Z Incubator project, which explores the impact of technology and AI on the future of education. The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Youth Yazan Shdeifat and organized by Aoun Jordan for Development and Empowerment, with the attendance of distinguished officials and AI experts.
During the conference's opening session, Obeidat stressed the need for educational institutions to evolve in response to this technological revolution, highlighting the importance of curriculum development and enhancing students' skills to align with modern challenges.
"We at the University of Jordan have foreseen the future and begun adapting to these transformations by updating our curricula and fostering a learning environment that keeps pace with rapid changes," Obeidat stated. "We have also developed the necessary technological and physiological skills for students and recently launched job-market training programs," he said.
He further noted that technology is now accessible to everyone, necessitating the establishment of regulations to manage the digital revolution. The greatest challenge, he added, is equipping faculty members and students with AI expertise to maximize its benefits.
Regarding the future of technological education in Jordan, Obeidat reassured that UJ is progressing well. "We have achieved remarkable advancements in global rankings. The King Abdullah II School of Information Technology has reached an advanced position and is now competing with 40,000 universities worldwide, with expectations to rank among the top 100 IT schools globally," he added.
He also pointed to significant achievements in scientific research, highlighting that 40 UJ researchers are now ranked among the top 2% of most cited researchers worldwide, stressing that the university consistently receives positive feedback from publishers regarding its research output.
Discussing AI applications in research, he acknowledged that technology has accelerated processes and reduced costs but underscored the necessity of regulations to ensure AI enhances research quality without compromising data integrity. "AI does not eliminate the role of researchers or various disciplines; rather, it enhances and develops them to serve science and humanity," he asserted.
In closing, Obeidat noted that UJ possesses outstanding research capabilities and human resources, but "funding remains a major challenge." He revealed that the university seeks to develop local and regional partnerships to create Arabic digital content, emphasizing that approximately 60% of Arabic data and information on the internet originate from Jordanian websites.
Minister of Youth Yazan Shdeifat highlighted technology's vital role in driving progress and sustainable development, stressing the need to equip young people with technical and knowledge-based skills. He underscored the ministry’s efforts in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation through education, business incubators, and national forums. Former ministers Maen Qatamin and Ahmed Hanandeh endorsed this vision, viewing the Generation Z Incubator as a transformative initiative to empower Jordanian youth and position the country as a regional tech hub. Executive Director of Aoun Jordan, Noor Al-Duwairi, described the incubator as a crucial step in enhancing youth skills and innovation, reflecting months of dedicated effort since September 2024.
It is worth noting that the Generation Z AI Incubator serves as a comprehensive platform for AI training and skill development. The initiative aligns with the association’s vision of supporting young entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in Jordanian society.