USJ and AUB Strengthen Academic and Financial Coordination
The Saint Joseph University (USJ) and the American University of Beirut (AUB) have renewed the memorandum of understanding they signed in 2018, committing to coordinate their efforts in the academic and financial domains.

The agreement serves their common national mission of educating the country's elite, especially in the face of challenging circumstances and the proliferation of low-quality diplomas.

Over 20% of students at both universities receive scholarships, and the budget for university aid has increased from $50 million to $110 million between 2015 and 2023, as stated by AUB President Fadlo Khoury in a statement released by AUB.

The renewal ceremony took place at the USJ Innovation and Sports Campus, attended by the Caretaker Minister of Education and Higher Education, Abbas al-Halabi, and delegations from the respective university communities.

Father Salim Daccache, the USJ rector, commended the successful protection of their joint scientific research program since the signing of the agreement. He proposed the formation of a steering committee, comprising three members from each university, to reflect on and accompany the implementation of possible projects.


He emphasized the importance of contributing together to building a new Lebanon free from corruption, a Lebanon proud of its sovereignty and freedom of opinion, expression, and creativity. Likewise, he highlighted the need for a Lebanon of love, coexistence, and social justice for all.

The AUB President expressed gratitude for the coordination, brotherhood, and loyalty demonstrated by USJ in its relations with AUB. He acknowledged the weight of responsibility they shared, especially amid increasingly challenging circumstances since 2015.

Regarding their common role, he stated, "Our past accomplishments include playing a pivotal role in safeguarding education, higher education, and the healthcare sector in Lebanon. Over the last four years, our students and researchers have received a record number of scholarships and research grants, and currently, more than 20% of our students benefit from free education. We have also worked to strengthen our overall financial support for education, which increased from just over 50 million dollars in 2015 to over 110 million dollars in 2023."

Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of maintaining a certain mode of civilization and education. He acknowledged the increased responsibility over the past four years with the economic and state collapse, emphasizing the role of their universities in teaching citizenship, responsibility, hope, and sacrifice for a better future for all.

Minister Abbas al-Halabi applauded the cooperation between the two leading institutions, recognizing their contributions to strengthening the concept of the state. He paid tribute to the two presidents for their strategic goals, highlighting the fundamental challenge of maintaining excellence and leadership in the education sector amid various irregularities received by the ministry.
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