Cairo: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met with Dr Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, to discuss the ministry's vision and work plan for the forthcoming period. The meeting focused on directives from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to enhance the higher education and scientific research system as a key component in building the Egyptian citizen and achieving sustainable development.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of transforming university operations through automation and digitalization, particularly automated exams to standardize assessment criteria and ensure academic integrity. Madbouly also encouraged partnerships with international universities to enhance the quality of higher education and prepare graduates for the evolving labor market.
Dr Abdel Aziz Konsowa expressed his alignment with Presidential directives, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian universities globally and support scientific research and innovation. He presented current indicators, stating there are 129 universities in Egypt, including public, private, and technological institutions, with more set to open next year.
The Minister detailed the ministry's strategic vision to position Egypt as a regional and international hub for higher education and scientific research. Key strategic pillars include enhancing higher education partnerships, internationalizing Egypt's major universities, increasing international student numbers, linking research with industry, and developing faculty capacity.
For the first pillar, Konsowa outlined plans to establish foreign university branches in Egypt and strengthen cross-border partnerships. The second pillar focuses on internationalizing major Egyptian universities and expanding joint programs with global institutions.
Konsowa highlighted the goal of attracting between 260,000 and 300,000 international students within three years, up from 130,000 currently. This effort will involve developing infrastructure, technology, and marketing strategies to position Egypt as an attractive educational destination.
The fourth pillar aims to connect scientific research with industry by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, while the fifth pillar focuses on advancing national and technological universities through modern programs and quality assurance.
The final strategic pillar involves enhancing faculty capacity and improving academic performance through strategic planning, governance frameworks, and innovation systems linking universities with industry and the knowledge economy.
Dr Abdel Aziz Konsowa discussed the implementation of automated exams, noting that 9.7 million students have benefited from this system since its inception. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, aims to improve educational outcomes and operational efficiency in universities.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ministry's commitment to transforming Egypt's higher education landscape, focusing on quality, innovation, and international collaboration to restore Egyptian education's historical standing regionally and globally.