Saudi Arabia has appointed Dr Najla Al-Tuwaijri as the new president of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), marking a significant leadership appointment in one of the world’s largest women’s universities.
For educators, university leaders and students across the region, the appointment reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in higher education leadership and academic excellence. It also highlights the Kingdom’s focus on strengthening universities as part of its wider education and national development ambitions.
Experienced Academic Takes on Leadership Role
Royal approval has been issued appointing Dr Najla bint Abdullah Al-Tuwaijri as president of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
Dr Al-Tuwaijri brings extensive academic and leadership experience to the role. She has previously served as the university’s vice president, dean of the College of Pharmacy and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Additionally, she has been a member of the university’s Scientific Council and has served on several specialised national committees under the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.
Strong Academic Background
Dr Al-Tuwaijri holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Analysis from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from King Saud University.
Her academic background and leadership experience have positioned her to lead the university during a period of continued growth and development in Saudi Arabia’s higher education sector.
Commitment to Higher Education Excellence
Following the appointment, Al-Tuwaijri expressed her gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the confidence placed in her, describing the appointment as both an honor and a responsibility that requires continued dedication and service.
She praised the Kingdom’s leadership for its continued support of higher education, saying it has enabled Saudi universities to enhance the quality of education and research, strengthen their global competitiveness and contribute to building a knowledge-based economy and developing national talent.
She described leading Princess Nourah University as a privilege, saying the institution reflects the achievements of Saudi women in education and leadership. She pledged to build on the university’s accomplishments, further improve its academic performance and expand its contribution to national development.
Al-Tuwaijri also expressed her appreciation for the university’s faculty and staff, saying she looks forward to working with them to strengthen academic excellence, promote innovation in education and scientific research, and prepare graduates capable of contributing to Saudi Arabia’s development while enhancing the university’s regional and international standing.
A New Chapter for Princess Nourah University
The appointment comes as Saudi Arabia continues to expand investment in higher education through Vision 2030, with universities playing an increasingly important role in research, innovation and workforce development.
For students, strong university leadership can shape the quality of teaching, research opportunities and graduate outcomes. Meanwhile, educators and higher education institutions across the Gulf will be watching how Princess Nourah University continues to strengthen its academic reputation under Dr Al-Tuwaijri’s leadership.
As one of the region’s leading universities for women, Princess Nourah University is expected to continue contributing to the development of skilled graduates, scientific research and educational innovation.
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Further Reading
- Saudi Arabia Approves New General Education Law to Strengthen Schools and Student Outcomes
- King Abdulaziz University Shortlisted for Two Times Higher Education Awards Arab World Categories