Translated by Zayed Alzyoud
Edited by Suha Alsubaih
The University of Jordan (UJ) welcomed a delegation from Izmir Katip Çelebi University in Turkey on Wednesday, as part of a visit aimed at strengthening academic collaboration and expanding partnership opportunities between the two institutions.
UJ President Prof.Nathir Obeidat received the delegation led by President Prof. Saffet Köse and Vice President Prof.Muhsin Akbaş from Izmir Katip Çelebi University. The visit laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in areas such as scientific research, faculty and student exchange, and the development of joint academic programs. Discussions also paved the way for the signing of a future memorandum of understanding.
Obeidat described the visit as a valuable opportunity to explore impactful partnerships. He reaffirmed UJ’s commitment to building international academic alliances that promote high-quality research and strengthen links with industry and technology.
He presented an overview of UJ’s history and its position as the oldest and most prestigious academic institution in Jordan. He highlighted the university’s wide range of academic offerings, with more than 350 undergraduate and graduate programs, most of which are internationally accredited. He also noted the university’s impressive research productivity, including over 3,400 published papers, 80 percent of which appear in peer-reviewed journals.
Obeidat emphasized UJ’s bilingual education model, which requires students to complete three Arabic language courses and two English language courses, in addition to coursework in soft skills and career readiness. He explained that the university is currently conducting a comprehensive review of all academic programs to ensure alignment with technological advancements and labor market needs. UJ currently enrolls approximately 50,000 students.
For his part, President Prof. Köse expressed his university’s strong interest in expanding collaboration with UJ and offered an overview of Izmir Katip Çelebi University. Established in 2010 as a modern public university located in the city of Izmir, the institution comprises 14 faculties and enrolls around 22,000 students.
He stated that the university’s strategic vision focuses on enhancing the quality and efficiency of education, achieving academic excellence, and offering tailored support services to international students. The university offers programs in both Turkish and English and enjoys a strong reputation among global learners.
The meeting was also attended by UJ Vice President for Humanities Schools Prof. Nahed Emaish, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Prof. Ziad Al Hawamdeh, and Director of the International Affairs Unit Dr. Sameh Al Zubaidi.