Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, inaugurated New Cairo Technological University on Sunday morning, September 22, 2019. The university opened its doors for study for the first time this year, coinciding with the 2019/2020 academic year. He was accompanied by Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Naema Allah, Acting President of the University; Dr. Ahmed El-Hayoubi, Advisor to the Minister for Technical Education and Secretary of the Education Development Fund; Dr. Adel Abdel Ghaffar, Media Advisor and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry; Dr. Mohamed El-Shenawy, Advisor to the Minister for Agreements and International Relations; Ahmed El-Sheikh, Acting Head of the Minister’s Office; and Mohamed Mahmoud, Head of the Development and Services Sector at the Ministry.
The Minister highlighted the political leadership’s interest in technological universities, noting that they represent a qualitative development in Egypt’s technical education pathway. These universities are expected to equip technical education students with the necessary practical and scientific skills to meet local and international labor market requirements, enhance positive community engagement in technical education, and emphasize the importance of technological education within society. He added that the newly introduced specializations in technological universities aim to serve and develop Egyptian society across various fields, while also providing graduates with qualifications that enable them to work locally and internationally.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that the importance of technological universities lies in improving societal perceptions of technical education graduates (“diploma holders”) and enhancing their capabilities in line with labor market needs. He explained that the university’s vision and mission focus on providing distinguished technological education through high-quality academic and practical programs, preparing graduates with advanced technological knowledge and creativity, capable of competition, teamwork, and innovation.
During his visit, the Minister inspected the university’s facilities, laboratories, educational buildings, classrooms, sports fields, and student activity areas, stressing the need to provide all necessary comforts and modern educational tools to equip students with the required skills. He also visited computer and mechanical engineering labs.
At the end of the tour, the Minister held a press conference, answering journalists’ questions. He emphasized that technical education is a key driver of development in any country, noting that applied education forms the majority of education in Germany. He also mentioned the completion of the Technological Universities Law, aligned with global standards, and the establishment of partnerships with international universities, such as the twinning between Beni Suef Technological University and South Korea. He reviewed the scientific programs, specializations, and degrees offered by technological universities.
The Minister also responded to questions from parents and students, assuring that students would have job opportunities before graduation.
It is noteworthy that technological universities award academic degrees starting from the post-secondary higher diploma, Bachelor of Technology, professional master’s degree, and professional doctorate in technology.
