Higher Education: Intensive Activities and Key Decisions Supporting University Development and Advancing Scientific Research
During the past week, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research continued implementing its strategy to develop the higher education and research system through a series of high-level meetings, field visits, and engagements aimed at enhancing the quality of university education, promoting applied scientific research, and expanding international cooperation, in line with the state’s goals of building a knowledge-based economy.
The Supreme Council of Universities held its periodic meeting, chaired by Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. During the meeting, the President of Hiroshima University met with council members and held an extensive discussion with Egyptian university presidents on prospects for strengthening academic and research cooperation, expanding joint programs, and exchanging expertise in priority areas. The council also reviewed universities’ progress in developing comprehensive plans to enhance the performance of faculty development centers. The Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Health to raise population awareness, enhancing collaboration between universities and industry, and expanding partnerships with leading international universities.
Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Counselor Mohamed Shawky, Prosecutor General, attended the launch of cultural salons in Egyptian universities. During the event, a cooperation protocol was signed between the Ministry and the Public Prosecution to promote legal awareness, implement training programs for law students, and organize cultural salons and awareness seminars within universities. The protocol aims to enhance legal, social, and cultural awareness among university and postgraduate students, and to develop students’ legal and judicial skills through practical training at Public Prosecution offices and the Institute of Criminal Research and Training.
The Minister also met with Dr. Islam Azzam, Chairman of the Financial Regulatory Authority, to discuss ways to enhance financial literacy among students of universities and institutes and encourage their engagement in non-banking financial activities, particularly capital markets. The meeting addressed proposals for awareness initiatives, training programs, and integrating financial literacy concepts into educational curricula to better prepare students for the labor market and support financial inclusion and economic development.
Dr. Konsowa chaired a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Authority for Supporting and Developing Universities. He highlighted Egypt’s distinguished international position in higher education investment, noting the growing interest of global universities in forming partnerships with Egyptian institutions, reflecting international confidence in Egypt’s higher education system. He also stressed the importance of managing and investing in educational assets, creating an attractive environment for investors, and expanding consultancy, research, and study services in higher education and scientific research.
The Minister received Mr. Mark Bryson-Richardson, British Ambassador to Cairo, and Mr. Mark Howard, Director of the British Council in Egypt, to discuss enhancing cooperation between Egypt and the United Kingdom. The meeting focused on collaboration in technological education as a key pillar of higher education development in Egypt. The Minister highlighted the expansion of technological universities and the modernization of their programs in line with international applied education systems, emphasizing the importance of adopting competency-based education, strengthening practical training, and aligning education with labor market needs.
Dr. Konsowa also received Dr. Mitsuo Ochi, President of Hiroshima University, and his accompanying delegation. The discussions addressed strengthening academic and research collaboration, expanding joint programs, and exploring the establishment of joint research centers of excellence between Hiroshima University and Egyptian universities. The Minister reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to cooperating with Japan in localizing advanced technology and developing educational curricula, enhancing Egypt’s position as a regional hub for cross-border education and innovation.
The Minister attended a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Egyptian Health Council, in the presence of the Ministers of Health and Finance. He emphasized that integration between the Ministries of Higher Education and Health is essential for advancing the healthcare system and medical education, ensuring the preparation of qualified medical professionals capable of meeting labor market needs and improving healthcare services.
Dr. Konsowa signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hiroshima University to enhance international educational cooperation. The agreement aims to strengthen academic and research collaboration and provide advanced educational opportunities for Egyptian students in postgraduate programs, particularly in priority fields such as semiconductor technology, engineering, and advanced scientific and technological disciplines.
The Minister conducted a field visit to the new campus of Senghor University in Borg El Arab, Alexandria. He emphasized Egypt’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with African countries and supporting sustainable development through educational partnerships. Senghor University, he noted, represents a key pillar of this cooperation and a successful model of partnership between Egypt and the Francophonie Organization.
Dr. Konsowa also met with the National Technical Committee for International Rankings of Egyptian Higher Education Institutions to review developments in Egyptian universities’ positions in global and regional rankings and discuss ways to enhance their competitiveness. He directed the committee to continue providing technical and advisory support, improve institutional data quality, enhance international reputation, and move from numerical presence in rankings to achieving advanced positions globally.
The Board of the Egyptian University Sports Federation held a meeting chaired by the Minister, with the attendance of Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, President of the African University Sports Federation. The meeting reviewed preparations for hosting the 2026 African University Games, including finalizing organizational plans and coordinating efforts among relevant committees to ensure the successful delivery of the event. The البطولة is expected to witness broad participation from African universities, fostering competition and strengthening youth engagement across the continent, while supporting the development of university sports as a platform for discovering talents and nurturing future champions.
