President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt recently held a meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Ayman Ashour, and Minister of Education and Technical Education Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif to discuss key issues in the education sector.
The meeting, as stated by the Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El Shennawy, focused on the coordination between the Ministries of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Education and Technical Education, particularly regarding the baccalaureate system.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the increase in the number of students enrolling in fields related to Artificial Intelligence, digitization, computer science, and technology at Egyptian universities for the academic year 2024/2025. The number of students in these areas has seen a significant 40% growth compared to the previous academic year.
Furthermore, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research discussed the establishment of the Egyptian Academy of Mathematical Sciences to nurture and support talented students in the field.
President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of prioritizing these specializations due to the demand in the job market and their crucial role in technological advancement, which is a key driver of progress in any nation.
In a move towards internationalizing Egyptian education, agreements have been made to open branches of Egyptian universities abroad in collaboration with the private sector, without any financial burden on the state. Additionally, by the academic year 2025/2026, 10 new national universities will be introduced, bringing the total count to 30 national universities in Egypt.
It was noted that Egypt currently has a total of 116 universities, including public, private, national, technological, and foreign institutions, with a combined 1,079 faculties.
President El-Sisi stressed the need for these university branches to meet international standards to attract foreign students. He also highlighted the importance of offering scientific and practical specializations related to technology, AI, digitization, and engineering.
The meeting also delved into executive measures for the upcoming academic year, including student admissions and distribution among various types of universities and institutes. Efforts to increase the number of international students at Egyptian universities were also discussed, with the aim of making Egypt an attractive destination for higher education.
President El-Sisi underscored the significance of turning scientific research outcomes into economically valuable products to boost the national economy. He emphasized the need to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, align scientific research with development plans and societal needs, address academic competency shortages, and prevent brain drain to elevate Egypt’s status as a leading education destination.
The discussions and directives from the meeting reflect the government’s commitment to advancing the education sector in Egypt and positioning the country as a hub for cutting-edge knowledge and innovation.
This article was distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
