In a significant move toward advancing Egypt’s education sector, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi convened a strategic meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour, and Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohamed Abdel Latif.
Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El Shennawy stated that the meeting focused on aligning the educational policies of the Ministries of Higher Education and Education and Technical Education to meet national and global demands.
Minister Ashour highlighted a 40% increase in enrollments in artificial intelligence, digitalization, computer science, and technology programs for the 2024/2025 academic year compared to the previous year. The minister also announced the establishment of the Egyptian Academy of Mathematical Sciences to nurture talented students in advanced mathematics.
President El-Sisi urged prioritizing these specializations to align with market demands and leverage technological advancements as a cornerstone of national progress.
The minister revealed plans to establish branches of Egyptian universities abroad in collaboration with the private sector, with no financial burden on the state. By the 2025/2026 academic year, 10 new national universities will be operational, bringing the total to 30, further expanding Egypt’s higher education landscape.
President El-Sisi emphasized that all university branches and faculties, including new national universities, must adhere to international standards to attract foreign students. He stressed the importance of focusing on disciplines like artificial intelligence, engineering, and digitization.
The meeting also addressed university admissions for the 2024/2025 academic year, including the distribution of students among public, private, national, and foreign institutions, as well as technical and technological institutes. Efforts to increase the number of international students in Egyptian universities were also discussed, with the President directing continued focus on making Egypt a global hub for higher education.
President El-Sisi called for turning scientific research into economically valuable products, emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship. He stressed the importance of integrating research with development plans and societal needs to strengthen Egypt’s position as a leader in education and innovation.
The President also underscored the need to address the shortage of academic competencies and reduce brain drain to retain top talent within the country.
This meeting underscores Egypt’s commitment to transforming its education system into a globally competitive hub for technological and scientific excellence while meeting the needs of a dynamic job market.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.