The Libyan government's Cabinet has reappointed Professor Ezzeddin Younis Al-Darsi as president of the University of Benghazi, also known as the "Mother of Libyan Universities." This decision comes after Al-Darsi led the institution through a period of reconstruction and significant transformation following years of turmoil. Under his leadership, the university has transitioned from widespread destruction to becoming a modern academic institution.
The reconstruction of the university was part of a large-scale project carried out by the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, under the direction of Engineer Blqasem Khalifa Haftar. The project involved the rebuilding of all colleges, educational, administrative, and service buildings. The university has seen significant upgrades in facilities and equipment, alongside efforts to maintain and develop academic activity and enhance the quality of education and scientific research.
Professor Al-Darsi has a strong academic background, having earned a postgraduate diploma from the University of Benghazi in 2001. He graduated first in his class and went on to become the director of quality assurance and performance evaluation at the university. Al-Darsi completed a master's degree in history in 2005 and received a doctorate from Mansoura University in Egypt in 2013, with honors, for his dissertation on "Trade Relations Between Genoa and the Maghreb at the End of the Middle Ages."
Before being appointed university president in March 2019, Al-Darsi held various academic and administrative roles at the University of Benghazi. He served as vice president for academic affairs in 2018 and worked on several committees and departments related to quality assurance, strategic planning, academic development, scientific journals, and organizational structures.
During his presidency, the University of Benghazi prioritized academic accreditation, international rankings, and partnerships with foreign academic institutions. Al-Darsi also led the university through the reconstruction process, restoring the main campus and advancing the educational environment. His reappointment has been welcomed among faculty, staff, and students within and outside the university.
Many stakeholders have expressed appreciation for the decision, attributing it to the improved stability and development of the university's facilities and academic environment under Al-Darsi's leadership. The university community hopes to build on recent infrastructure improvements to raise the quality of education, student services, and research outcomes, reinforcing the institution's local and international standing.
As the "Mother of Libyan Universities," the University of Benghazi is expected to continue playing a vital role in the country's academic and intellectual landscape. With Professor Al-Darsi at the helm, the institution is poised to further enhance its reputation and contribute to Libya's development and growth.
Key points
- The Libyan government has renewed its confidence in Professor Ezzeddin Younis Al-Darsi as president of the University of Benghazi.
- Al-Darsi has led the university through a period of reconstruction and significant transformation following years of turmoil.
- The university has prioritized academic accreditation, international rankings, and partnerships with foreign academic institutions under Al-Darsi's leadership.
