The University of Libya was a Libyan university established in 1955 and disestablished 1973, at which time its colleges were split between the new University of Benghazi (later Garyounis University) in Benghazi and the new University of Tripoli (later Al Fateh University) in Tripoli.

[edit] Background

Despite its difficult economic situation, the Libyan government decided to found a university in 1950s. For that purpose, it sent its delegates in 1955 to Egypt and met prime minister Gamal Abdul Nasser , and ask for borrowing some lecturers working there. The Egyptian government agreed, and promised to pay the salaries of the four borrowed lecturers for four years.

Former royal palace "Al Manar", the university's first campus

A royal decree, issued in December 15th 1955, decided the founding of the university, and the starting point was the Faculty of Literature in Benghazi, and the royal palace "Al Manar", from which King Idris I of Libya declared its independence in December 24th 1951, was assigned to be the campus.

[edit] History

The next step was of course to extend the university and establish new faculties:

• Faculty of Science, Tripoli, 1957.
• Faculty of Economics, Benghazi,1957.
• Faculty of Law, Benghazi, 1962.
• Faculty of Agriculture, Tripoli, 1966.
• Faculty of Medicine, Benghazi, 1970.
• Faculty of Petroleum and Minerals,Tripoli,1972.

The Islamic University of Mohammed ben Ali es Senussi at Al Bayda was subordinate to University of Libya.

On 6 October 1968, a celebration was made at site of the new campus at Garyounis vicinity, Benghazi, because of its founding. The celebration was attended by King Idris I of Libya, Wanis al-Qaddafi, the prime minister, and of course Abdel Moula Dughman, President of the university.

In August 1973 the university split to form two new universities: The Tripoli Campus formed the University of Tripoli. The Benghazi and al Bayda campuses formed the University of Benghazi.

After 7 April 1976 both universities have been renamed: University of Tripoli to Al Fateh University. University of Benghazi to Garyounis University.

Al Bayda campus formed a new independent university named Omar Mukhtar University.

[edit] Presidents of University

1. Mahmud El Bishti 1956-1958.
2. Abdel Jawad el Freitees 1958-1961.
3. Bakry Gaddura 1961-1963.
4. Mutapha Bayo 1963-1967.
5. Abdel Moula Dughman 1967-1969.
6. Omar el Tumi el Sheibani 1969-1973.

[edit] References

• Mohammed Faraj Dghaim, "Al Jami'a Al Libiya fi Eidi'a Al Khamseen: Safha Mushriqa fi tarikh Libia", Al Jamei Magazine, No.10, Al-fateh 2005, Al Fateh University .
• Cyrene (Quryna), a bulletin issued by U.of Libya because of founding the new campus at 6 Oct. 1968.
• Garyounis University: Idarat Ash Shu'un at Tullabiya, Nashra Ihsa'iya bi Adad al Khirijeen munthu ta'sees al Jame'a hatta amm 1982.

[edit] External links

• Garyounis University Official website {English intro}
• Faculty of Engineering page (in Arabic)

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