First Sana’a University award granted [Archives:2006/929/Local News]
SANA'A, March 15 ) In a ceremony yesterday at Sana'a University, Rector Khaled Al-Tameem and Minister of Higher Education Saleh Basurrah awarded Faculty of Science chair and chemistry professor Ali Jum'an Al-Shukail a 2005 certificate of recognition and a YR one million prize, the first such award granted under a new program.
In a speech, Al-Shukail underscored the pragmatic importance of scientific research. “Scientific research is more magnificent when it serves the community and yields fruits that have direct impact on people's lives,” he said.
“Encouragement is the shortest way to creativity,” he quipped and modestly recognized the efforts of his students who helped him be entitled to such an honor. “This award is partly attributed to my students,” he acknowledged.
Award board chairman Ahmed Al-Kibsi said of the award, “It is recognition of university teachers and their contribution to human knowledge.” Formed pursuant to a decree by former rector Nasser Al-Awlaqi, the award board previously was chaired by Dr. Abdullah Al-Junaid before he was appointed Hodeidah University rector. Other board members are professors Tawfiq Sifian, Azzah Ghanem, Mutahar Al-Izzi, Abdullah Al-Shaibah, Ali Al-Ashwal, Dr. Ameeda Sha'lan and Ahmed Abdul-Wahab.
The award was to be presented in two fields: pure science and economic and political science. It was granted in the former but withheld in the latter, as criteria were unmet.
The board also announced that it is ready to receive applications for the 2006 award, which covers literature, Islamic studies engineering science and medical science.
Arbiters of the award are professors from Arab countries including Egypt, Syria and Sudan who took into account criteria established in accordance with standards adopted by recognized Western academic institutions.
This was the first such award given as the program launched just last year. The long-waited award is expected to boost scientific research, create a competitive atmosphere, enrich intellectual life on local and international levels and connect Sana'a University to the local community.
The university also honored its former rectors and deputies, who attended the ceremony, in recognition of their efforts and academic achievements. A large audience of university staff and students attended as well.
The state-owned Sana'a University is Yemen's largest university. Established in 1970 comprising only two faculties, it now has all the basic faculties with a variety of specializations. It also contains faculties in other areas such as the Faculties of Education in Arhab and Khawlan and the Faculty of Commerce in Khamir. Estimated student enrollment for academic year 2004-2005 was 78,737, which included 16,485 women.
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