University Overview

Al-Zaytuna University is considered one of the most prominent Libyan universities established after the universities of Benghazi, Tripoli, and Sebha. The university has undergone several changes in its administrative headquarters, moving from Tripoli to Al-Khums, then to Souq Al-Ahad in Tarhuna, before finally settling in the city of Tarhuna. Currently, the university comprises 19 faculties, including faculties of Education, Science, Commerce, Physical Education, Law, Sharia, Arts, Information Technology, Media, Al-Qusay`a Education, Social Sciences, Engineering, Languages, Economics and Political Science, Human Medicine, Medical Technology, Veterinary Medicine, and Forensic Sciences.

The university has attracted students from various Libyan regions, as well as from Arab and foreign countries, who have received education from distinguished professors who have significantly contributed to academic life with their prolific work. This has earned the university a prestigious academic reputation. Graduates of the university have been widely accepted in various institutions, excelling and achieving advanced positions. The university has also established several agreements for academic, scientific, and cultural cooperation with local, Arab, and international universities.

Guided by its scientific and educational mission, Al-Zaytuna University strives to disseminate knowledge and prepare qualified cadres capable of contributing to sustainable development in various fields of life.

### Establishment of the University:

The university was established in 1986 under Decision No. (46) by the former General People's Committee, initially named "Nasser University" in Tripoli. In 1991, it moved to the city of Al-Khums under Decision No. (745), and in 2001, it settled in Tarhuna following Decision No. (189) on the restructuring of Libyan universities, and was renamed "Nasser International University." In 2012, the Council of Ministers issued Decision No. (168) to rename it "Al-Zaytuna University."

The university underwent several structural changes, incorporating faculties from Bani Walid and Tarhuna before the faculties in Bani Walid separated in 2016 to form Bani Walid University. The affiliation of the faculties of Arts and Sciences in Qasr Al-Akhyar and Al-Qarabulli was transferred to Al-Mergib University, and the branch of the Faculty of Economics in Al-Araban was moved to Bani Walid University. The university's general administration was finally relocated to the center of Tarhuna, and the number of its faculties reached 19 under Decision No. (617) by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in 2016.

### Vision, Mission, and Objectives:

**Vision:** The university aspires to be a leader in higher education and scientific research, contributing to the sustainable development of society.

**Mission:** Al-Zaytuna University seeks to provide high-quality educational and research programs to prepare qualified cadres capable of competing in the job market while upholding Islamic values.

**Objectives:**

- Preparing qualified cadres in various disciplines.

- Training staff to improve performance.

- Enhancing scientific and cultural cooperation with local and international institutions.

- Implementing quality assurance systems to improve academic and administrative performance.

- Updating technological infrastructure and electronic services.

- Contributing to community development through distinguished applied programs.

### Future Directions:

Al-Zaytuna University aims to strengthen its position as one of the oldest and most prestigious Libyan and Arab universities by developing its faculties, academic programs, and research activities. The university relies on the expertise of its professors and researchers and includes six main academic sectors: Humanities and Social Sciences, Basic Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, and Medical Sciences.

The Faculty of Law at the university is the oldest in Libya after the University of Benghazi, and the Department of Environmental Sciences is the oldest of its kind in the country. As part of its development plans, the university is working on a comprehensive strategy based on self-evaluation and SWOT analysis results, aiming to achieve a qualitative leap in academic and research performance to become one of the leading universities in serving society and the nation.