President Abdel Fattah met Sisi Today, with Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, and Dr. Abdel Aziz Qansouh, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Vision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
The official spokesman for the Presidency of the Republic stated that during the meeting, the President followed up on the vision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and its work plan during the next stage, which is to transform Egypt into a regional and international center for higher education, scientific research and innovation, which contributes to building a knowledge economy and attracting students and researchers from all over the world. The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research pointed out that there are 129 universities in Egypt, including governmental, private, national and technological universities, universities of a special nature, and branches of foreign universities.
In this context, the President stressed the importance of continuing efforts to develop the higher education and scientific research system as a fundamental pillar in building the Egyptian individual and achieving sustainable development, as well as enhancing the pivotal role of universities in promoting training programs and developing skills to meet the needs of the labor market.
Ambassador Mohamed El Shenawy, the official spokesperson, added that the meeting included a review of the faculty capacity building axis and improving the quality of academic and administrative performance. The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research indicated that an executive committee has been formed to oversee the project to automate the institutional resource management system, in order to accelerate the comprehensive automation and digital transformation of the administrative work system. He noted that work is underway to prepare a comprehensive vision for developing the performance of faculty capacity development centers, in line with the requirements of the times and to meet the needs of trainees from the faculty.
In this context, the President directed attention to partnership and cooperation with leading international universities and institutions to benefit from their expertise in enhancing the quality of the higher education and scientific research system.
The official spokesperson indicated that the meeting also reviewed the executive status of linking scientific research with industry and the knowledge economy. The minister explained that the main objective of this is to transform academic research into marketable products and services, and to support innovation and entrepreneurship, through localizing the idea of technology parks, developing an incentive system for researchers and faculty members, and linking scientific research with industry.
The official spokesperson noted that during the meeting, the President also followed up on the executive status of the health projects of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, where Dr. Abdel Aziz Qansouh reviewed a number of health projects that were inaugurated, including the inauguration of development projects at the main hospital of Alexandria University, the inauguration of development works of units at Al-Mowasat Hospital, the modernization of operating rooms and endoscopies at Al-Shatby University Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as the establishment of a branch of Cairo University in Eritrea.
The official spokesperson explained that the President also followed up on matters related to exporting Egyptian education, through establishing a system for selecting leading universities, targeting countries and regions with the greatest strategic and political impact, expanding joint programs with highly ranked international universities, and hosting some programs in academic partnership.
In this context, Dr. Abdel Aziz Qansouh explained that a committee of experts specializing in universities has been formed to follow up on the implementation of this, and work is underway to conclude an agreement to establish a financing institution in cooperation with the Central Bank of Egypt that specializes in financing scholarships for students, enabling them to obtain dual degrees in cooperation with prestigious international universities.
The President stressed the importance of strengthening higher education partnerships and establishing foreign branches by building a modern model for cross-border partnerships and enhancing institutional partnerships aimed at building national capacities, maximizing economic returns, and raising international rankings. He directed that progress be made towards enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian universities at the regional and international levels, and supporting scientific research and innovation.
