His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday told the government to develop a strategy for meeting challenges facing higher education institutions.

The King said in a letter to Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit that the government should also prepare a work plan with a clear timetable to upgrade the higher education sector and enhance scientific research which are key to reform and modernization.

King Abdullah cited in his letter the Jordanian citizens are the driving force behind development, adding that education and empowerment of citizens will continue to sustain a high degree of excellence.

The King directed the government to take heed of next week's two-day forum on higher education in Jordan, seeking to develop the sector and boost scientific research.

In his letter, the King indicated that policies and programmes aiming at developing the quality of higher education in Jordan must be adopted in line with international standards to help develop regional and international competitiveness of the sector.

His Majesty added that educational policies, teaching methods and curricula should be developed to meet the needs of local, regional and global markets.

The Jordan Times