Sana’a – Sana’a University Media Office
Saturday, October 31, 2026, (20 Jumada al-Awwal 1448 AH)
In a gesture of appreciation and recognition of the pioneers who contributed to its establishment and the development of its academic and administrative journey, Sana’a University today honored the late Mr. Ahmed Jaber Afif, its first Director and one of its founders, in recognition of his foundational role and contributions to laying the groundwork for the first public university in Yemen. The ceremony was held on the sidelines of a University Council meeting and attended by Vice Rectors and Rector's Assistants, faculty deans, and Council members.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surat Al-Fatiha in memory of the late Ahmed Jaber Afif, commemorating his legacy and contributions and expressing the University’s appreciation for his efforts in launching its academic journey and establishing its scholarly standing.
In his address, Prof. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Bukhaiti, Rector of Sana’a University, stated that the honoring reflects the University's commitment to recognizing those who contributed to its establishment and the development of its institutions. He noted that the University would continue this monthly tradition of honoring distinguished figures and pioneers who played prominent roles in its founding, development, and academic and administrative advancement.
The Rector explained that Mr. Ahmed Jaber Afif deserved this recognition for his foundational role in the University’s history, having served as its first Director from its establishment in 1970 until 1974. This formative period witnessed the laying of the first foundations of an academic institution that would later become one of Yemen’s leading higher education institutions.
The Rector also highlighted aspects of the late Afif’s life and career, emphasizing his contributions to national, educational, and cultural development. He referred to his efforts to serve education and develop its institutions, as well as his role in Yemeni cultural life, including the establishment of the Afif Cultural Foundation and his contributions to enriching knowledge and scientific research.
Prof. Al-Bukhaiti stressed that Sana’a University views this recognition not merely as an occasion to honor a prominent figure from its history, but also as an opportunity to renew its commitment to its heritage and pioneers and reinforce a culture of gratitude and appreciation for those whose efforts helped build this academic institution. He affirmed that honoring the University's founders and pioneers is an integral part of its responsibility toward its history and future generations.
For his part, Mr. Khaled Ahmed Jaber Afif expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Sana’a University’s leadership for this generous gesture toward his late father. He noted that honoring one of the University's founders reflects its institutional values and its recognition of those who devoted their efforts to serving knowledge and education. He added that the initiative demonstrates the University's commitment to preserving the legacy of its pioneers and acknowledging their contributions.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Prof. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Bukhaiti, Rector of Sana’a University, presented the Sana’a University Shield and a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Khaled Ahmed Jaber Afif on behalf of the late Afif’s family, in recognition of his father’s contributions to the establishment and leadership of the University during its early years.
This recognition is part of Sana’a University’s efforts to commemorate the lives and achievements of its pioneers and document their contributions in appreciation of those who laid the foundations of its academic journey. It also reaffirms that the standing of academic institutions is shaped not only by their present achievements but also by their history and their recognition of the individuals whose contributions helped build them and left a lasting mark on their development.
