Egypt has launched a promotional mission in Nigeria to attract more international students to its universities and expand exports of educational services, as Cairo seeks to strengthen its presence in African markets.
The mission, held under the “Study in Egypt” initiative, runs from Aug. 24 to 30 and includes events in Lagos, Abuja and Kano.
It is organised by the Egypt Expo & Convention Authority (EECA) in cooperation with the Supreme Council of Universities, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s Central Administration for International Students and the Egyptian Commercial Service.
The initiative is being held under the auspices of the ministries of Investment and Foreign Trade and Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid said education was a promising sector for Egypt’s services exports and called for greater efforts to promote Egyptian universities in foreign markets, particularly in Africa.
In turn, Mnister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Abdelaziz Konsowa said Egyptian higher education was an important source of the country’s soft power, with international students contributing to both the economy and the global reach of Egyptian universities.
Egypt hosts students from more than 120 nationalities and offers modern academic programmes and specialised fields of study, supported by experienced faculty and academic experts, Konsowa said.
He said Egyptian universities had improved their positions in international rankings and made progress in scientific research and international publishing, strengthening their competitiveness and regional and international standing.
The ministry is seeking to internationalise higher education and increase exports of Egyptian educational services by expanding outreach to students and educational institutions abroad, Konsowa said.
International students can apply to Egyptian universities through the “Study in Egypt” platform, he added.
Konsowa also pointed to Egypt’s tourism, historical and cultural assets, saying they could support educational tourism and offer international students an experience combining academic study with cultural exposure.
The mission includes Cairo University, Alexandria University, Ain Shams University, Capital University, Al-Azhar University, Luxor University, Galala University, Beni Suef National University, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts and Salam University.
The programme provides prospective Nigerian students with information on academic programmes, admission requirements and tuition fees, while allowing them to meet university representatives and education advisers.
EECA Chairman Alaa El-Baily said the mission formed part of efforts to expand the authority’s role in promoting Egyptian services and opening new markets.
The delegation will continue its programme in Abuja and Kano after the Lagos events, seeking to build links with Nigerian students and educational institutions and expand academic cooperation between the two countries.
