Researcher Haifa Hashim Ahmed Ghalib Al-Lahji was awarded a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Planning with a grade of excellent and an average of (95%) for her thesis titled: The Level of Application of University Leadership Selection Criteria in Light of the Qur’anic Vision and Contemporary Theories: A Comparative Study, which was submitted to the Department of Educational Administration and Planning, Faculty of Education, – Sana’a University. The MA defense was held on Thursday, October 8, 2026
The MA Viva-voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
• Prof. Mohammed Abdullah Hassan Humaid – Hajjah University – External Examiner and Chair.
• Assoc. Prof. Ali Yahya Ali Mahmoud Sharaf Al-Deen – Sana’a University – Supervisor and Committee Member.
• Assist. Prof. Yahya Abbas Ahmed Al-Qulaisi – Sana’a University – Internal Examiner and Committee Member.
The study aimed to identify the criteria for selecting university leaders in Yemeni universities in light of the Qur’anic vision and contemporary theories, assess the extent to which these criteria are applied, and identify statistically significant differences in respondents’ assessments according to demographic and occupational variables. It also sought to examine the similarities and differences between university leadership selection criteria derived from the Qur’anic vision and those informed by contemporary theories.
One of the study’s key findings was that Yemeni public universities apply Qur’anic and contemporary criteria at comparable levels. The Qur’anic approach provides an ethical and oversight-based foundation for protecting academic institutions against corruption and favoritism, while the contemporary approach equips them with the technical and digital skills needed to manage change.
Statistical analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between the two domains (t = 0.831), (p = 0.407). It also showed a strong positive correlation between them (r = 0.798), (p < 0.001), confirming that the two perspectives complement each other within a unified organizational context.
The researcher recommended adopting an integrated national leadership model, reviewing and updating the legislation, laws, and regulations governing university education, and establishing a specialized national institute to prepare, train, and qualify academic and administrative leaders in Yemen.
The thesis defense was attended by faculty members, researchers, students, and interested participants as well as the researcher's colleagues and family members..
