Prof. Ahmed El-Kased, President of Menoufia University, participated in the regular meeting of the Supreme Council of Universities, chaired by Prof. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and attended by Prof. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary of the Council, at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
Prof. El-Kased explained that, at the beginning of the meeting, the Minister of Higher Education issued a number of executive directives aimed at rationalizing energy consumption within universities and institutes. These included the use of energy-saving lighting systems, expanding reliance on solar energy, reducing fuel consumption in university transportation, and applying smart energy-management systems across educational facilities.
He added that the minister also stressed the importance of focusing on research outputs capable of offering scientific solutions to economic, social, health, and environmental challenges, while strengthening integration between scientific research, education, and industry, and supporting national and developmental projects across different sectors. The minister further emphasized the need for universities to actively engage in addressing societal challenges and contribute effectively to achieving sustainable development goals by directing scientific research toward community service.
Prof. El-Kased affirmed Menoufia University’s commitment to implementing the directives of the Supreme Council of Universities, particularly with regard to energy conservation, digital transformation, and linking scientific research to community needs in support of sustainable development plans.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of full coordination between university hospitals and hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health to improve the quality of healthcare services provided to citizens and strengthen the integration of the national healthcare system, alongside expanding the inclusion of university hospitals within the comprehensive health insurance system.
For his part, Prof. El-Kased emphasized that Menoufia University places great importance on strengthening cooperation and integration with various state institutions, especially in the health sector. He noted that the university hospitals represent a major pillar in delivering advanced medical services to residents of the governorate and neighboring areas. He added that the university continues to develop medical and technological infrastructure and enhance human resource capabilities to support the state’s efforts toward implementing comprehensive health insurance and achieving the highest standards of healthcare quality.
During the meeting, the minister praised the inclusion of 21 Egyptian universities in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 in 42 academic disciplines. Prof. El-Kased expressed his satisfaction that Menoufia University was included in the ranking in the field of agriculture, noting that this achievement reflects the efforts of faculty members and researchers and the university’s commitment to advancing scientific research in applied fields related to community needs. He added that the university will continue supporting scientific research and providing an innovation-friendly environment to strengthen its international ranking position and achieve further progress across academic disciplines.
The council also approved launching an awareness campaign for university and institute students to promote energy conservation within society. It also approved the academic calendar for the 2026/2027 academic year, with studies scheduled to begin on 19 September 2026, first-semester final exams starting on 2 January 2027, mid-year vacation beginning on 23 January, the second semester starting on 6 February, and studies ending on 20 May 2027.
The council further reviewed universities’ nominations of selected personnel for leadership training and qualification programs designed to provide expertise necessary to face various challenges, in cooperation with universities and international institutions known for their distinguished leadership development experience.
It also reviewed the work of the committee responsible for developing a roadmap for establishing an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) System to mechanize administrative work across Egyptian universities in its first phase. The committee is examining universities’ experiences in automation and ERP implementation to benefit from them as part of accelerating comprehensive digital transformation in university administration.
The meeting concluded with emphasis on continuing the development of higher education in Egypt through supporting innovation, updating infrastructure, and strengthening international partnerships, in order to prepare graduates capable of competing in local and international labor markets.