Ashraf Al-Darifili: Advanced Curricula Offered by the Afro-Asian University in Response to Job Market Demands.
The Executive Director of the Union of Afro-Asia Universities, Professor Ashraf Al-Darifili, stated that the Afro-Asian University, which is part of the union, is actively developing and updating academic curricula. These curricula aim to bridge modernity, contemporaneity, and authenticity, as well as integrate theory with practical application. The goal is to graduate students who possess the academic knowledge necessary to confront the job market, engage with it, and address contemporary issues.
Al-Darifili added during a press conference held by the university’s presidency that the university works with experts, specialists, and scholars to innovate, develop, and produce curricula that meet the needs of the job market. He emphasized that, in collaboration with specialized professors, there is ongoing work to modify and update academic curricula, especially in precise scientific disciplines, to prepare a generation capable of interacting with society through the university. He also mentioned that peer-reviewed scientific journals would significantly impact the development of scientific research by providing detailed course descriptions and establishing mechanisms to enhance shared human values through the educational process, free from any political frameworks.
He continued, saying, “Secondly, we find that Africa and Asia share many commonalities, whether cultural, social, economic, or even political. However, we aim to focus on the scientific aspect to strengthen these bonds and highlight their commonalities. Through the university, we will enhance the fraternal ties between students and Afro-Asian communities.”
The Executive Director of the Union confirmed that students will find a distinguished educational model at the university in terms of teaching methods, academic content, and the tools and techniques used in the educational process. He added, “We are working to ensure that students graduating from this university will benefit their communities, Afro-Asian societies, and humanity as a whole, thanks to the efforts of the scholars working under the university’s banner.”
According to Al-Darifili, one of the most notable aspects students will find at the Afro-Asian University is the development and updating of curricula that bridge modernity, contemporaneity, and authenticity. The curricula will also connect theory with practical application, addressing issues related to doctrinal, political, or partisan topics. The goal is to equip students with the academic knowledge necessary to confront the job market and engage with it, as well as address contemporary issues.
He pointed out that most theoretical studies are disconnected from contemporary issues and are not aligned with the job market’s needs.
He emphasized that the university strives to be a model and nucleus for other universities in terms of cultural diversity, where science is a unifying force for all humanity.
The university emerged from the Union of Afro-Asia Universities and received its accreditation in Istanbul, Turkey, in August 2021.
Research Interaction
According to Al-Darifili, the university and the Union of Afro-Asia Universities aim to achieve research interaction and cooperation among researchers, which will enhance the exchange and development of scientific research among academics, focusing on the strict scientific methodology of research.
Al-Darifili stated, “We aim to achieve research interaction between the two continents… This will reflect on the methodology and development of scientific research.” However, he pointed out a problem facing scientific research: the inability of some countries to apply scientific research methodology due to economic, social, and political conditions.
Al-Darifili criticized the disregard of sponsors and those responsible for the educational process for the outcomes of scientific research, considering this a barrier to the benefit of Afro-Asian societies from these studies, which were produced by brilliant minds.
He considered the lack of benefit from scientific research as the only obstacle to progress and development. He stressed the need for those responsible for the educational process to find specialized arms capable of following up on these studies and their outcomes to be applied in all fields.
Al-Darifili noted that 4,000 inventors are members of the Inventors Syndicate within the Union of Afro-Asia Universities, which he considered evidence of Africa and Asia’s brilliant minds that contributed to the foundation of Western civilization. He affirmed that scientific research is the field needed by all humanity.
