In line with directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to enhance coordination between government ministries and maximize the role of public universities, Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Eng. Sherif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, convened to review the progress of Alamein International University and New Mansoura University.
Dr. Ashour emphasized the Ministry of Higher Education’s commitment to the new public universities system, which includes international and government-affiliated institutions. He highlighted the significant societal demand for these institutions, with approximately 55,000 students enrolled in the current academic year. This success reflects public confidence in the high-quality education provided by these universities.
Dr. Ashour reiterated the importance of leveraging the fourth-generation smart university model to achieve Egypt’s sustainable development goals and Vision 2030. The expansion of universities in new cities not only meets the rising demand for higher education but also fosters urban, economic, and social development. Moreover, these institutions support Egypt’s vision to establish itself as a regional hub for education, attracting students from the Arab world, the Middle East, and Africa.
Eng. Sherif El-Sherbiny highlighted the Ministry of Housing’s efforts, through the New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA), to attract universities to new cities, especially fourth-generation ones. He noted that these institutions significantly enhance the appeal of these cities, boost year-round occupancy rates, accelerate development, and create investment opportunities.
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ToggleProgress at Alamein International and New Mansoura Universities
During the meeting, the ministers reviewed the operational status of facilities at the two universities. At Alamein International University, several buildings are fully operational, including:
- International Law Faculty
- Engineering Buildings 1 and 2
- Computing Faculty
- Arts and Design Faculty
- Graduate Studies Facility
- Services Building
At New Mansoura University, the following facilities have been fully or partially launched:
- Fully Operational:
- International Legal Transactions Faculty
- Textile Engineering Faculty
- Oral and Dental Medicine Faculty
- Partially Operational:
- Medical Faculty
- Pharmacy and Sciences Faculty
- Administrative Building
- Upcoming:
- Partial operation of Engineering Faculty Building 1 in the next academic year.
The ministers underscored the need to accelerate the completion and operation of all facilities at both universities to meet the growing student demand. They also agreed to form a joint committee to explore alternatives and propose solutions for the swift completion of remaining constructions.
Enhancing Collaboration and Future Plans
The meeting discussed a proposed cooperation protocol between the two ministries to ensure efficient management and development of these projects. The protocol would focus on:
- Completing ongoing construction projects.
- Expanding international partnerships with prestigious global institutions to meet world-class educational and research standards.
- Maximizing the impact of these universities on Egypt’s education and economic landscape.
Attendees
The meeting included key representatives from both ministries. From the Ministry of Higher Education:
- Dr. Maher Mesbah, Secretary of the Public Universities Council
- Dr. Essam El-Kordy, President of Alamein International University
- Dr. Mouawad El-Khouly, President of New Mansoura University
- Dr. Mohamed El-Sharkawy, Assistant Minister for Policies and Economic Affairs
- Mr. Mohamed Ghanem, Head of the Central Administration of the Minister’s Office
From the Ministry of Housing:
- Dr. Abdelkhaleq Ibrahim, Assistant Minister for Housing
- Eng. Elham El-Sergany, Assistant Supervisor of the Minister’s Office
- Eng. Ahmed Moussa, Deputy Head of NUCA for Planning and Projects
- Mr. Mohamed Ragai, Deputy Head of NUCA for Financial and Administrative Affairs
- Eng. Mohamed Hamdy, Assistant Deputy Head of NUCA for Development and Construction
- Eng. Ahmed Ibrahim, Head of Alamein New City Authority
- Eng. Mohamed El-Ghamrawy, Head of New Mansoura City Authority
This collaborative effort reflects the government’s dedication to advancing higher education and supporting Egypt’s broader development agenda.