The Council of Private National Universities approved a series of international academic co-operation agreements on Tuesday, as Higher Education Minister Abdelaziz Konsowa called for expanding research output improving global rankings and strengthening the role of universities in supporting economic development.
Speaking at the council’s meeting in Egypt’s New Capital, the minister said the expansion of private national universities was aimed not only at increasing higher education capacity but also at promoting sustainable education models based on quality teaching, academic excellence and sound institutional governance.
He said greater integration between state universities and their affiliated private national universities would help maximize available resources, improve the efficiency of the higher education system and support the country’s broader development goals.
The minister also stressed the importance of improving the international standing of Egypt’s private national universities through stronger research performance and higher positions in global university rankings.
Konsowa called for increasing scientific research and publication in international journals while focusing on translating research findings into commercially valuable applications and products to support the national economy and sustainable development.
He said Egypt was seeking to internationalize higher education by expanding academic and research partnerships with leading international institutions, attracting more foreign students, developing academic programs and offering joint and dual degree programs.
Konsowa also urged private national universities to strengthen their role in community service and participation in national development initiatives.
The council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mansoura National University and University of Manchester, ministry spokesperson Adel Abdel Ghaffar said. It also approved an MoU between Nile University and University of Oradea.
The council further approved a cooperation agreement between King Salman International University and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, as well as an MoU between Galala University and Beckman Coulter.
It also approved an MoU between Galala University and University of Jordan, and another between Egypt University of Informatics and CESI School of Engineering.
