Number, Type and Geographical Distribution of Palestinian Universities

Number, Type and Geographical Distribution of Palestinian Universities

Zajel / An-Najah National University Number, Type and Geographical Distribution of Universities  Conference on: The Role of Higher Education in the Context of an Independent Palestinian State 7-9 Nov.1996 Owing to the fact that our future vision of higher education's primary objective is to bring about the aforementioned development and integration, it is therefore important to consider the number of universities in Palestine and their geographical distribution. There are currently eight institutes of higher education in Palestine, a number that will most certainly increase. It has become clear, however, that all these universities, without exception and whether in spite or because of their important achievements, suffer from a number of problems. In addition to their financial difficulties, there is an urgent need for improving teaching and management techniques, as well as the quality of teaching materials, laboratories, and libraries. All real solutions to these type of problems can only find answers in the long term. An easier way to begin searching for a long term solution is to take measures that provide for a sound, well organized operational structure for higher education, which allows the greatest number of students to benefit. Considering that there are already universities functioning despite the difficulties they face, how can we effectively address these universities' common problems? If we are to accept the generally accepted premise according to which a truly distinguished, complete university requires a population base of one million people, then the Palestinian people, who number over six million, form the basis for six major universities in Palestine. Though this population is scattered all over Palestine and the various Arab countries, the future promises to herald the return of a large number of refugees and displaced persons to their homeland. With the return of a sizeable portion of our people to Palestine, it is more than plausible to assume there will exist here 4 comprehensive distinguished universities in only a decade. These 4 institutes of higher learning will serve the educational needs of four million Palestinians. The current Palestinian universities do not offer a wide range of educational programs and specializations, and changing the present situation is a tall order, one that requires a complete overhaul of the existing university system. We suggest a decision be made designating three universities in the West Bank and Gaza as comprehensive, while a fourth. Institution of this type would be built for the Palestinians inside Israel. This fourth university would work towards integrating this particular sector of the Palestinian people into the national consciousness. The remaining universities would then specialize, Le. One would become an institute for the study of science and technology in a particular city, while another would offer only programs that deal with the life sciences, etc. The aims of this kind of organization and structure are a) to ensure the centralization of higher education, b) to make higher education available to the. Largest number of qualified students, c) to allow students to be able to study wherever they like, be it near or far from home. A critical component of this plan is qualified and capable teaching, which will enable those qualified students enrolled to substantially benefit from higher education in accordance with the goal of national integration. This plan would also facilitate the establishment of smaller colleges and technical institutes in areas in which no large universities exist. Subsequently, the principle of centralization and decentralization would apply to these smaller, specialized institutes of higher learning, in disciplines such as law, administration, communications, etc. After completing detailed studies on what needs to be done in this respect, we can then begin to refigure the process of higher education and ease the collective pressure on Palestinian universities. One method of easing this pressure and democratizing higher education would be through the establishment of junior colleges. This type of college would offer a two-year introductory program in a given number of concentrations, and would be spread throughout all areas of the country. Those students who successfully complete this course of study with a sufficient grade point average will be allowed to continue towards a bachelor's degree in one of the major universities. Such a scheme would afford institutes of higher learning the opportunity *The figure of 4 million is based on the estimated 3 million people living in the West Bank and Gaza and the 1 million Palestinians living inside Israel. to reach a higher number of students on a more personal level, as well as easing the collective pressure on the larger four-year colleges and universities. Likewise, higher education will become available to a greater portion of society, a fact that will likely bring about a more qualified cadre of people in all regions and facilitate the realization of the desired goal of national integration. Now, we must make reference to another aspect of higher education which demands a different kind of treatment altogether. The reference here is to the concept of the Open University, specifically, Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Open University, an institution only recently established. We believe that this university should receive the necessary support in order to successfully carry out its educational and cultural mission within Palestinian society. The Open University system allows students to study at home while adhering to university guidelines and course materials. The university offers an open form of education, one that allows the greatest number of qualified students from all over Palestine to make use of its resources. The style, structure, and method of teaching in the Open University system are unique and the potential educational role in society it plays may be even more important than that of traditional universities. No matter how many traditional colleges and universities there are, there should always be opportunities afforded to those who cannot study on campus in a collegiate atmosphere. Al-Quds Open University embodies this concept and is making higher education available to all the socio-economic groups in Palestinian society. As it is not a full comprehensive university, we can classify it in the same category as those specialized universities such as a life science college, a college of science and technology etc. 8. Graduate Studies Palestinian society, culture, and scientific capability have progressed and developed greatly, a fact which stems from the large amount of research and scientific output attained by the Palestinian people in all fields of knowledge: the humanities, social, natural, and physical sciences, technology, etc. This progress did not come about randomly, but rather by way of establishing and supporting graduate studies and research centres which are still in their developmental stages in Palestinian universities. Perhaps the best method for encouraging the development of graduate studies in Palestine is to have one university which has sufficient financial and human resources'. to establish the graduate studies program of its choice, after consulting with the . Council for Higher Education. Now is high time to get started on such a project in , Palestine. We hasten to add, however, that such a project should not get off the ground before careful planning which will guarantee its success in the long run.