A cooperation protocol signed between Near East University, ranked among the top 500 universities in the world, and Palestine Polytechnic University has initiated a new academic partnership encompassing student and academic staff exchange and joint research. This academic bridge established between Cyprus and Palestine stands out as a significant step in strengthening Palestinian youth’s access to international educational opportunities.
A comprehensive academic cooperation protocol was signed between Near East University and Palestine Polytechnic University (PPU), one of Palestine’s long-established higher education institutions. This strategic partnership between the two universities plans to implement academic staff and student exchange, joint research projects, scientific events, conferences, seminars, and workshops.
The protocol, which came into effect with a signing ceremony held at Near East University, was signed by Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Palestine Polytechnic University Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Abusafa. Also present at the signing ceremony were Near East University Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt and Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy and Ahmad Altamimi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Palestine Polytechnic University, Vice Rector Dr. Ayman Sultan, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nour Qawasmeh, and Dean of the Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Informatics Prof. Dr. Husam Rjoub.
The protocol is of particular importance, especially considering the severely affected living and educational conditions in Palestine due to years of war and blockade. In an environment where universities and educational infrastructure have been damaged, academic activities have been interrupted, young people have difficulty in continuing their education safely, and access to higher education is severely restricted, student and academic exchange programs are expected to offer a significant opportunity for Palestinian university students. The international academic mobility provided within this framework will strongly support young people in continuing their education uninterrupted, interacting with different scientific circles, and strengthening their professional development.
About Palestine Polytechnic University
Located in Hebron, Palestine, Palestine Polytechnic University operates as a public university under the regulations of the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. A member of international organizations such as the Palestinian Higher Education Council, the Arab Universities Union, the Union of Islamic Universities, and the World Federation of Universities, PPU stands out with its regional and global academic collaborations.
Founded in 1978 as a technical and engineering-focused college, it transformed into a university providing undergraduate programs in 1991. Expanding its diploma and undergraduate programs since 1999, PPU further strengthened its academic structure by launching master’s programs in 2006 and doctoral programs in 2018.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “The cooperation protocol we have signed is not only an academic partnership but also a manifestation of a strong will for solidarity.”
Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Professor Tamer Şanlıdağ emphasized that the cooperation protocol signed with the Palestine Polytechnic University is not only an academic partnership but also reflects a strong will for solidarity. Noting that the inhumane conditions in Palestine directly affect higher education processes, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ stated that student exchange programs, in particular, offer a great opportunity for Palestinian youth.
Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “This protocol we signed today is a message of strong academic solidarity beyond scientific cooperation. It is a shared responsibility for all of us to ensure that Palestinian youth can continue their education without interruption, access international academic environments, and build their futures securely. Student and academic exchange programs will contribute not only to the academic development of young people but also to keeping their hopes alive.”
Emphasizing that inter-university collaborations gain even more meaning in difficult times, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ stated that Near East University will resolutely continue its efforts to share scientific output, support equal opportunities in education, and strengthen international academic solidarity.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Abusafa: “We want to take this collaboration even further and take concrete steps; increase academic staff and student mobility, share research projects, and strengthen the memorandum of understanding.”
The Rector of Palestine Polytechnic University, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Abusafa, expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation protocol and thanked Near East University. Prof. Dr. Abusafa emphasized that Near East University, ranked among the top 500 universities in the world, stands out with its strong academic background and international prestige, stating: “First of all, I would like to thank Near East University for offering us this opportunity, for allowing us to share our experiences and especially to benefit from its rich expertise in the field of health sciences education. Near East University is a strong university recognized worldwide and included in prestigious rankings. We want to further advance this cooperation and take concrete steps; increase academic staff and student mobility, share research projects, and strengthen the memorandum of understanding. I hereby thank you for providing this precious opportunity.”