SANA’A, July 25 — The Sana’a and Amran Teaching Staff Syndicate demanded the resignation of the current rectors in order to begin electing new academic staff.

The syndicate’s plan would be to start with the rectors to heads of various departments, based on the decision of the Higher Education’s Supreme Council.

Doctor Abdullah Al-Azazi, secretary-general of the syndicate, said the syndicate called upon the Yemeni government to amend the university laws immediately, based on suggestions given to the prime minister, including that rectors must be elected.

“There is a state of tension in the universities because of the politics among the staff,” Al-Azazi said. “Some people try to get stronger by obtaining support of the syndicates and unions’ members they belong to which may cause tension we want to avoid.”

Al-Azazi also said the university must achieve its message according to the law Yemeni universities adhere to. They must achieve their three aims: education, community services and scientific research. He said it is for the Ministry of Legal Affairs now to look after the amendments.

Ali Al-Awadhi, manager of the Sana’a University rectors’ office, said the demands were illegal and violate the law of Yemeni universities, which stipulates that rectors be appointed by a presidential decree and not election.