University Rector Affirms Support for Academic Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities During Meeting with Executive Director of the Fund for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Disabled

Monday, 23 February 2026 (6 Ramadan 1447 AH)

Prof. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Bukhaiti, Sana’a University Rector, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening the academic inclusion of persons with disabilities and fostering a fair university environment that ensures equal opportunities and empowers students to pursue their education with competence and independence.

This came during his meeting with Dr. Ali Nasser Maghli, Executive Director of the Fund for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Disabled, in the presence of Prof. Zaid Al-Warith, the Univetsity Rector’s Assistant for Centers Affairs; Dr. Ali Abdulmalik Abbas, Director of the University Service Center for Students with Special Needs; and Mr. Hasan Ardam, Director General of Public Relations at the Fund.

During the meeting, the University Rector emphasized that academic inclusion for persons with disabilities represents a strategic priority for the University, rooted in its national and humanitarian responsibility. He noted that developing specialized academic programs, updating regulations and policies, and providing supportive accommodations constitute essential pillars for ensuring the active participation of students with disabilities in academic and research activities.

He further highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation with the Fund in supporting scientific studies and research related to disability issues, contributing to the development of a solid knowledge base that informs policies and programs and enhances the quality of educational and rehabilitation services.

Both sides discussed mechanisms for updating the memorandum of understanding signed between the two institutions to align with ongoing academic developments and reflect the progress achieved, particularly in postgraduate studies.

Dr. Ali Abdulmalik Abbas reviewed key achievements, including the implementation of diploma and master’s programs in Special Education and the launch of a PhD program in Special Education this year. He also outlined the ongoing development of services provided by the University Center for Students with Special Needs to promote institutional and sustainable academic inclusion.

For his part, the Executive Director of the Fund expressed appreciation for the level of partnership with the University, commending the positive outcomes of the joint research project and reaffirming the Fund’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing academic inclusion and advancing services for persons with disabilities within the university environment.

The meeting also reviewed the findings of the study titled “Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Educational Institutions in the Republic of Yemen,” jointly conducted by the University and the Fund. The study examined the current status of inclusion, the challenges facing educational institutions, and strategies for developing supportive policies and programs to foster a comprehensive and sustainable educational environment.

Both parties underscored the importance of building upon the study’s outcomes and translating its recommendations into actionable plans to improve educational services, upgrade infrastructure, and strengthen the capacity of teaching staff to address the needs of students with disabilities.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue joint research efforts and to implement training programs and workshops aimed at promoting awareness of disability issues, grounded in religious and humanitarian principles, across educational institutions throughout the Republic of Yemen.