His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday called for formulating a five-year national strategy for developing the higher education sector.

The King made the remarks during a visit to the University of Jordan.

King Abdullah said the goal of his visit is to ensure drawing up a plan that identifies what is required, adding that he is aware of the challenges facing the higher education sector.

The King, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Rania, underlined the importance of addressing the challenges facing higher education.

King Abdullah also urged the presidents to address the issue of violence at their universities, describing it as a “red line”.

Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Khalid Touqan briefed the King on the situation of the higher education sector.

King Abdullah tasked Touqan with forming a national team to draw up the strategy, which will restructure admission standards so that only 70 per cent of Tawjihi graduates will be admitted to higher education institutions, while the rest will be guided into the various vocational training fields.

The Jordan Times