CAIRO – Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli witnessed on Sunday the signing of a memo of understanding to set up a high-standard campus for University of Exeter, the first of its kind in the African continent by Russell Group for Universities.
Higher Education Minister Ayman Ashour, UK Ambassador to Egypt Gareth Bayley, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities Moustafa Refat and director of the British Council in Cairo Mark Howard in addition to representatives of Russell Group attended the signing ceremony.
Russell Group is a self-selected association of twenty-four public research universities in the United Kingdom.
The agreement was signed by President of Aim Shams University Mohamed Diaa Zine el Abidine and President of Exeter University Lisa Roberts.
Madbouli said the step is part of the country’s ambitious plan to enhance academic cooperation with prestigious educational institutions to secure a high-quality education to Egyptian students and rehabilitate them to work in both local and international labor markets.
Under the agreement, the Exeter University will set up a distinguished campus inside the campus of Ain Shams International University in the New Administrative Capital, making it the first Egyptian university to establish such kind of partnerships in Africa.
The UK ambassador said the British education is highly reputable, expressing happiness over opening the campus of Exeter University in Cairo.
He said Exeter University is the first university among Russell Group to set up an educational partnership in Africa, adding that this is a landmark in the history of educational cooperation between Egypt and the UK.
Such a partnership, he said, will help more Egyptian students access the British education in a way that will open new prospects for their future career.
The president of Ain Shams University said the partnership with the University of Exeter is a turning point for Ain Shams University and higher education in Egypt and Africa.
He added that collaborating with a prestigious institution like Exeter University, one of the Russell Group universities, will create a platform that combines world-class education and research with a commitment to addressing local and global challenges.
He added that this partnership will empower Egyptian students and faculty staff to lead, innovate and shape the future.
Lisa Roberts, President of the University of Exeter, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, global partnerships are essential to address the world’s most pressing challenges while making higher education accessible to all.
Cooperation with Ain Shams University reflects Exeter University’s commitment to academic excellence, knowledge exchange and making a lasting positive impact on a global scale, she added.

Discussion about this post