Professor Dr. Hemdan Rabie El-Metwally, President of Damietta University and New Damietta University, participated in the meeting of the Council of National Universities, held under the chairmanship of Professor Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, in the presence of Dr. Maher Mesbah, Secretary-General of the Council of National Universities, as well as university presidents and council members.

During the meeting, the Minister of Higher Education emphasized that national universities represent a key pillar of Egypt’s higher education system and play an essential role in accommodating the increasing numbers of students applying to and enrolling in universities. He also highlighted the growing role of these institutions in supporting the labor market through modern academic programs that align with both local and international developments.

Dr. Ayman Ashour praised the distinguished academic partnerships between national universities and several prestigious international institutions, affirming the Ministry’s commitment to supporting these collaborations to provide Egyptian students with an integrated and high-quality educational experience, while also encouraging talented students and researchers to pursue innovation and creativity.

The Minister further stressed the importance of enhancing the community service role of national universities and their participation in national initiatives, foremost among them the Presidential Initiative “Decent Life (Hayah Kareema)” and the “Alliance and Development” initiative, through development convoys, awareness seminars, and community activities that foster national awareness among students.

The meeting also reviewed several important topics, including the adoption of a new mechanism for students wishing to change their academic paths within national universities, and the organization of an annual Entrepreneurship Forum to support young people and encourage them to establish startups. The council was also informed of the formation of selection committees for the presidents of New Ismailia University and Nile National University.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants commended the General Secretariat of the Council of National Universities for training student affairs officers on the unified electronic system for registering national university students, ensuring the highest levels of efficiency and accuracy in academic and administrative services.

Professor Dr. Hemdan Rabie El-Metwally affirmed that New Damietta University continues to work in line with the state’s vision for the development of higher education, striving to provide innovative academic programs that meet the needs of the local and regional labor markets, and praised the continued support of the Minister of Higher Education for national universities in fulfilling their educational and societal mission.