President of Umm Al-Qura University Bakri bin Maatouk Bakry Assas honored on Thursday, Shaaban 26, 1437H a group of the top lecturers and students at the English Language Center (ELC). UQU's Vice-President for Educational Affairs Abdul-Aziz bin Rashad Al-Srouji and head of the center Dr. Sami Iterji attended the ceremony which was held at King Abdulaziz chamber in Al-Abdiyah Campus.

Dr. Iterji briefed the attendees on progress made by the ELC on way to make its vision into a reality and to deliver its sacred message. The center met the international accreditation requirements when it was a department of the College of Social Services, he said.

The center managed to boost ties and cooperation with Oxford University Press (OUP) thanks to support given by President of Umm Al-Qura University Bakri bin Maatouk Bakry Assas, Dr. Iterji said, adding it regularly invites well-known linguists to seminars, workshops and educational activities in its quest to improve its staff's skills and qualifications in addition to the continuous development of syllabi.

In the same vein, Dr. Srouji announced that an agreement of cooperation would be made with the British Council to provide IELTS programs at the university under direct supervision of the ELC. The classes were equipped with the necessary tools to provide test services; he noted giving thanks to the UQU's president for his support. Also, he hailed efforts exerted by head of the center and other staff members.

For his part, the UQU's President saluted the ELC for the successful teaching of the prerequisites for students of the Preparatory Year, medical and engineering colleges, and administration programs. Assas said that the ELC's staff members and top students are honored today for the accomplishment of their mission according to the international accreditation requirements. He wished students more of success and excellence.