Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST)
Overview
The Red Hall in King Abdullah University Hospital, the teaching hospital of JUST. – Photo by Aymx.
Jordan University of Science and Technology (Arabic: جامعة العلوم والتكنولوجيا الأردنية, Jami’at Al-Ulum wa Al-Tiknolojia Al-Urdunia), commonly referred to as JUST, is a public university located in Ar Ramtha, near the city of Irbid in northern Jordan. Established in 1986, the university has grown to include twelve faculties offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It is also home to the King Abdullah University Hospital, a major teaching hospital within the campus.
The picturesque campus of Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), featuring iconic landmarks such as the King Abdullah University Hospital and the Engineering Faculties Complex. In the background, you can see famous parts of Jordan, including the ancient city of Petra, the Dead Sea, and Amman’s modern skyline.
History
JUST originated from Yarmouk University in Irbid. On September 1, 1986, a royal decree established JUST as an independent institution. Initially, it comprised five faculties from Yarmouk University: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Engineering. Later additions included faculties of Science and Arts, Applied Medical Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Computer and Information Technology, and Agriculture.
The university started with 110 faculty members and 2,300 students. By the academic year 2017/2018, it had expanded to 985 faculty members and over 24,000 students from 51 different nationalities. Since its inception, JUST has awarded more than 77,000 degrees.
University Presidents
- Kamel Ajlouni (1986–1995)
- Saad Hijazi (1995–2003)
- Wajih Owais (2003–2010)
- Abdullah Al-Malkawi (2010–2014)
- Mahmoud Alsheyab (2015–2016)
- Omar Al-Jarrah (2016–2018)
- Saeb Khresat (2018–2021)
- Khalid El-Salem (2021–present)
Campus
The university’s main campus in Ar Ramtha spans approximately 11,000 dunums (11 km²), with a green cover of 5,000 dunums. The campus includes academic buildings, libraries, a university farm, auditoriums, a concert hall, fine arts galleries, museums, and athletic facilities. The campus is divided into two main complexes:
- Medical Faculties Complex: Houses the faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Applied Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, and Science and Arts.
- Engineering Faculties Complex: Includes the faculties of Engineering, Agriculture, Computer and Information Technology, Architecture and Design, and Veterinary Medicine.
JUST has two main libraries, one in each complex, with a third, larger library under construction. The Medical Faculties Complex library holds 115,000 books and 45,000 periodical volumes. Eventually the main library will be the largest in the Middle East.
King Abdullah University Hospital
Irbid Mall in Western Irbid.
King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) is the largest hospital in northern Jordan, serving around one million residents. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with JUST, located within the Medical Faculties Complex. The hospital has a capacity of 683 beds, expandable to 800 in emergencies. It is a modern facility with comprehensive medical services, including various specialized departments.
Academics
JUST offers diverse programs through its twelve faculties:
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Nursing
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Science and Arts
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Computer and Information Technology
- Faculty of Architecture and Design
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Faculty of Graduate Studies
The medium of instruction is primarily English, with Arabic used to aid understanding for the majority Arab student body.
Research and Development
Research is a top priority at JUST, supported by several specialized centers such as the Queen Rania Center for Environmental Science and Technology and the Princess Haya Biotechnology Center. The university funds an average of 200 research projects annually. JUST has been recognized as a top research university in Jordan and among the top 3% in the Islamic world. It boasts a high number of researchers per capita, surpassing many countries.
Nuclear Science and Technology Center
In alignment with Jordan’s goals to develop nuclear energy, JUST hosts the country’s first nuclear research reactor. This facility is central to the university’s Nuclear Science and Technology Center, supporting advanced research and training in nuclear sciences.
Library
The JUST library system includes two main libraries and a third under construction. The libraries house a vast collection of books and periodicals, adopting modern cataloging and classification systems. The new library, set to be the largest in the Middle East, will enhance the university’s academic resources.
Student Life
JUST offers a vibrant student life with various clubs, societies, and events. The university hosts an annual International Community Fair, fostering cultural exchange among its diverse student body. The students’ union and various clubs organize activities throughout the academic year.
Critical Review
Jordan University of Science and Technology stands out as a beacon of higher education in Jordan and the region. Its rapid growth, diverse academic offerings, and strong emphasis on research make it a notable institution. The university’s comprehensive facilities and strategic initiatives, such as the Nuclear Science and Technology Center, highlight its commitment to advancing education and research.
However, JUST faces challenges, including the need for continuous infrastructure development and maintaining high standards of education amidst rapid expansion. Enhancing industry linkages and fostering more robust international collaborations can further elevate its global standing. Additionally, addressing the needs of an increasingly diverse student population and ensuring the consistent quality of education will be crucial for its sustained success.
Overall, JUST’s achievements and ongoing developments position it as a leading university with the potential to make significant contributions to education and research on both national and international levels.
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