Dr. Abdelaziz Qansua, Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, recently visited Senghor University's new campus in Alexandria's Borg El Arab. He was accompanied by Dr. Hani Hilal, Chairman of the university's Board of Trustees, and Dr. Jean-Marc Lavest, Executive Director. The visit aimed to assess the university's readiness for the upcoming academic year and evaluate its facilities and services. This visit follows the official opening of the new campus in May, attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie.
The new campus, spanning 10 acres, features two academic buildings, an administrative building, a conference hall, a restaurant, and four student dormitories. Additionally, it includes staff and visitor accommodations, a sports hall, a swimming pool, a multi-purpose field, and squash courts. This comprehensive environment combines academic studies with residential facilities and cultural and sports activities. During his visit, Qansua inspected the campus facilities and met with faculty members and students to discuss academic programs, educational processes, and university activities.
The minister emphasized the importance of providing an educational environment that facilitates communication among African students, promotes experience and cultural exchange, and prepares them to contribute to development in their countries. He highlighted that Senghor University represents a model of Egyptian-African and Francophone cooperation in education and capacity building. The university is set to receive a new batch of students, reflecting its growing role in preparing African cadres.
Qansua announced that Egypt is moving towards expanding its university presence in Africa by establishing university branches that support academic and scientific cooperation and provide educational opportunities for African students. He cited examples such as the University of Alexandria's branches in Juba, South Sudan, and N'Djamena, Chad, as well as Cairo University's branch in Khartoum, Sudan. The new campus is a significant addition to Senghor University's capabilities, allowing it to develop its academic and training programs.
The minister expressed gratitude to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for his support for Senghor University and his interest in enhancing Egyptian-African cooperation in education and capacity building. He stressed that providing and equipping the new campus reflects the state's commitment to supporting the university and expanding its contribution to serving the continent. Qansua also emphasized that supporting the university is part of a broader strategy to enhance educational and research partnerships with African countries and international Francophone partners.
Dr. Hani Hilal stated that Egypt's support for Senghor University reflects its interest in education and capacity building in Africa. He explained that the university aims to prepare cadres capable of contributing to development efforts, particularly in Francophone countries. Senghor University is an international Francophone institution offering specialized programs in culture, environment, management, and health, focusing on preparing qualified leaders to support sustainable development in Africa and Haiti.
Senghor University welcomes students from over 25 African countries, and its alumni exceed 4,000 students from 43 countries. The university's 20th batch for the 2025-2027 academic years includes 143 students, demonstrating its growing academic role in preparing African cadres.
Key points
- The university's new campus in Alexandria's Borg El Arab was officially opened in May.
- Senghor University offers programs in culture, environment, management, and health.
- The university has welcomed students from over 25 African countries.
