Amman, July 8 (Petra) – Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi hailed the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST)’s achievement of ranking among the top 500 universities worldwide as a beacon of hope for every Jordanian. He said the accomplishment proves that excellence is possible and leadership in education and science is not a distant dream but a reality built by Jordanian minds and efforts.

Safadi gave his remarks during his sponsorship on Tuesday of a ceremony held by the university to celebrate its inclusion in the QS World University Rankings 2025, placing it 461st globally. The event was attended by several members of parliament, including First Deputy Speaker Dr. Mustafa Al-Khasawneh, heads of various parliamentary committees, and other MPs.

He described the success of Jordanian universities, including this institution, as a civilizational message to the world: "Here in Jordan, we write our future with our own hands and paint the nation’s image with knowledge and science not slogans or words, but through achievements that His Majesty King Abdullah II believes are the true measure for advancing the country towards security and prosperity."

Safadi added that this accomplishment is undoubtedly the result of mature leadership vision, praising the university president and his academic and administrative teams for charting a clear roadmap for excellence, which they followed with dedication and perseverance. He also commended the students, calling them beacons of the future and pillars of progress who have proven capable of competing with peers at the world’s most prestigious universities through knowledge, determination, ethics, and willpower.

He described Irbid as a cradle of knowledge and culture, blending heritage and modernity, and as a lasting reservoir of national awareness, knowledge, and contribution.

Safadi affirmed the Lower House's ongoing support for academic institutions, emphasizing the pursuit of legislation that strengthens their independence and empowers them to compete, innovate, and develop.

He noted that amid growing challenges and threats, the responsibility on youth and students to preserve their awareness, unity, and cohesive internal front is greater than ever a front that has always stood as a solid barrier against those seeking harm to Jordan, ensuring the country remains strong, respected, and supportive of its Arab Palestinian brothers in their legitimate struggle.

He concluded by stressing that education is not only a gateway to opportunity but also the primary defense for the state’s values, constants, sovereignty, and national identity. "A nation is built not by words but by action, sincerity, commitment, and collective effort. All salutations to the University of Science and Technology, a distinguished academic institution that writes every day a new chapter of loyalty, belonging, and development."

University President Khaled Al-Salem said the event celebrated the historic achievement of officially entering the QS global top 500 universities, ranking 461st despite being less than 40 years old.

He added that joining the top 500 is a distinction measured not by age but by intellect, determination, and perseverance, expressing gratitude for the decades-long accumulated efforts of the university’s community and staff.

//Petra// AF

08/07/2025 22:48:07