His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday urged university students to focus more on the practical aspect of education.
He described this approach as “the basis for increased economic productivity,” emphasizing that “technical and managerial capabilities and skills are a basic requirement to stand up to the challenges of the future.”
The King made the remarks during a meeting with students of national education at the Hashemite University yesterday.
“Everyone of you is responsible for his own future and that of the homeland,” the King told the students, highlighting the younger generation's responsibility for the country's development.
His Majesty added the realization of development is a “responsibility shared by the government, the youth and universities.”
King Abdullah said Jordan seeks to create a job-generating economic environment — a responsibility that should be shouldered by universities, which are required to link the outcome of the education process with development needs. They are also expected to entrench a culture of scientific research, “which is the foundation of revival and welfare,” he added.
Urging the students to actively participate in the various arenas of public life, including politics, economy and social activities, the King said participation in public life “is the true expression of belonging to the country, which needs deeds rather than words.”
This participation, King Abdullah added, is the fundamental factor to effect an envisioned change, which is essential for Jordan to transform into a country where justice, equality and equal opportunity prevail.
The country should create an appropriate environment to unleash the potential of young people, who are more capable of building the country and its future, the King said.
He told the students that the Royal Court, in cooperation with the government and universities, is working on a mechanism to ensure channels are kept open with the youth to serve the purposes of sustainable development.
Earlier in the day, King Abdullah officially inaugurated the Prince Hussein Ben Abdullah II IT Faculty and toured its computer lab.
The King also laid the cornerstone of the medical faculties compound, a JD14 million, self-funded project, according to Hashemite University President Omar Shdeifat.
The compound will house the medical, nursing and supportive medical sciences schools and offer its services to areas surrounding the university, including Zarqa, Mafraq and the Northern Badia District.
The state-run Hashemite University, which comprises 12 faculties and offers post-graduate programmes, was established in 1995. It offers higher education to 16,000 students.
The Jordan Times