An-Najah National University (Arabic: جامعة النجاح الوطنية) is a Palestinian non-governmental public university governed by a board of trustees. It is located in Nablus, in the northern West Bank.
An-Najah National University was founded in 1918 as the An-Najah Nabulsi School. The school was established by a group of local businessmen and intellectuals, who were inspired by the principles of Arab nationalism and the need for modern education.
The school initially offered a primary and secondary education, but it was soon expanded to include teacher training and other vocational programs. In 1941, the school became a teacher preparation institute, also granting intermediate university degrees in various fields of study.
In 1967, the Six-Day War broke out, and the West Bank, where An-Najah is located, was occupied by Israel. The university was closed for several years, but it reopened in 1971.
In 1977, An-Najah evolved into a full-fledged university, “An-Najah National University,” with a Faculty of Arts and a Faculty of Sciences. The university continued to grow and develop over the next few decades, despite the challenges of the Israeli occupation.
In 1994, the Oslo Accords were signed, and the Palestinian Authority was established. This led to a period of relative calm and stability in the West Bank, and An-Najah was able to expand its facilities and programs.
Today, An-Najah National University is the largest and most prestigious university in Palestine. It has played an important role in Palestinian society, and its alumni include many prominent figures in government, business, and the arts. The university is also a major center of Palestinian culture and identity.