Cairo, N’Djamena boost higher education, research ties

Egypt and Chad have discussed strengthening co-operation in higher education and scientific research, including increasing scholarships for Chadian students and expanding academic exchanges, Egypt’s Higher Education Ministry said on Friday.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Egyptian Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Abdel Aziz Konsowa and his Chadian counterpart, Sitack Yombatina Beni, on the sidelines of the fourth session of the Egyptian-Chadian Joint Committee.

Beni praised Egypt’s support for Chad’s higher education and research sectors, highlighting the importance of establishing an Alexandria University branch in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena.

Konsowa said the branch would serve as a bridge between Egyptian and Chadian universities. It would be supported by an integrated healthcare centre that could eventually form the basis for a medical school, while additional faculties and academic programmes would be introduced according to Chad’s needs, the ministry said.

The two sides also reviewed cooperation agreements signed in 2016 covering student and faculty training, scientific research and applied research linked to industrial development. They agreed to update the agreements in line with current priorities.

The meeting addressed increasing scholarships for Chadian students at Egyptian universities and simplifying registration procedures through Egypt’s online education platform.

The officials also discussed Chad’s request to benefit from Egypt’s experience with academic promotion committees, as well as cooperation on medical internship training for graduates of Egyptian universities.

Both sides stressed the need to continue coordination and strengthen their partnership in higher education and scientific research. Konsowa invited his Chadian counterpart to visit Cairo and attend the next meeting, the ministry said.