Menoufia University and El Araby Group Activate Their Cooperation Protocol Through the Practical Implementation of the "Faculty to Factory" Initiative
Prof. Ahmed El-Kased, President of Menoufia University, attended the recognition ceremony honoring students who participated in the "Think and Make Your Mark" project, organized by El Araby Group with the participation of students from the Faculty of Engineering, Shebin El-Kom, the Faculty of Electronic Engineering, Menouf, and Delta Technological University. The event marked the practical activation of the cooperation protocol signed between the University and the industrial group, which aims to provide engineering students with hands-on training inside the Group's manufacturing facilities while engaging them in addressing real industrial production challenges.
The ceremony was attended by Prof. Mohamed Ezz El-Arab, Former President of Menoufia University; Prof. Wagih El-Askary, President of Delta Technological University; Prof. Gamal Mahrous, Dean of the Faculty of Electronic Engineering; Prof. Mohamed Saafan, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Shebin El-Kom; Prof. Mostafa El-Shibini and Prof. Mohamed Ibrahim, academic supervisors of the students' projects; Eng. Mohamed Abdelgied El Araby, Chief Executive Officer of Industrial Operations at El Araby Group; in addition to a number of academic and executive leaders.
Bridging Higher Education with Industry
In his address, Prof. El-Kased emphasized that linking academic education with practical industrial experience is one of the most important pillars for preparing graduates capable of competing in local, regional, and international labor markets. He explained that students' direct engagement within real production environments enables them to understand industrial challenges, acquire practical skills, foster innovation, and develop a strong sense of responsibility, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes and improving graduates' readiness for the job market both in Egypt and abroad.
He added that practical training aligned with the needs of the industrial sector is no longer optional but has become an essential component in preparing graduates who combine sound theoretical knowledge with advanced practical competencies. He reaffirmed the University's commitment to providing an integrated educational environment that seamlessly combines academic learning with industrial application.
Advancing the Ministry's "Faculty to Factory" Initiative
Prof. El-Kased noted that this collaboration represents a practical implementation of the Faculty to Factory initiative launched by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, under the leadership of Prof. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The initiative aims to strengthen integration between universities and industrial enterprises, bridge the gap between higher education outcomes and the needs of the productive sectors, support the Ministry's vision of embedding industry within higher education and scientific research, and contribute to building a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
Strengthening the University's Leadership in Community Engagement
The University President further affirmed that Menoufia University is committed to reinforcing its leading societal role through the establishment of genuine and sustainable strategic partnerships with the industrial sector. He described the cooperation with El Araby Group as the first step in a broader vision, noting that the coming period will witness the expansion of partnerships with major companies and industrial groups across Menoufia Governorate.
Activating the Cooperation Protocol with El Araby Group
Prof. El-Kased explained that the ceremony represents the successful implementation of the cooperation protocol signed between Menoufia University and El Araby Group. The partnership is designed to provide engineering students with practical training within the Group's factories while encouraging them to develop innovative solutions to technical challenges and contribute to improving industrial processes. He expressed the University's aspiration to further expand this collaboration through specialized training programs and joint scientific research that supports the national economy.
Concluding his remarks, Prof. El-Kased stressed that industry remains the driving force behind sustainable development and that investment in education, scientific research, and practical training is the foundation for building a strong national economy. He praised El Araby Group's pioneering experience in embracing students' ideas and transforming them into practical industrial applications serving Egyptian industry. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to El Araby Group for adopting this distinguished model of cooperation with Egyptian universities and for its strong belief in the role of youth and scientific research in advancing national industry. He further commended the outstanding efforts of the leadership and faculty members of the Faculty of Engineering, Shebin El-Kom, and the Faculty of Electronic Engineering, Menouf, for their academic supervision and their role in transforming students' ideas into practical industrial solutions.
For his part, Prof. Mohamed Saafan, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Shebin El-Kom, expressed his appreciation to El Araby Group for its continued support of students and for opening its manufacturing facilities to provide them with valuable practical experience. He noted that the project offered an integrated educational experience that enabled students to address real industrial challenges while enhancing their innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, thereby preparing them to compete effectively in the labor market.
Similarly, Prof. Gamal Mahrous, Dean of the Faculty of Electronic Engineering, Menouf, described the cooperation with El Araby Group as a successful model of university–industry collaboration. He thanked the Group for its confidence in Egyptian university students and its commitment to supporting young talent, emphasizing that the project enabled students to apply their engineering knowledge within a real industrial environment while developing practical and implementable engineering solutions.
Four Years of Outstanding Achievements
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the winning students were honored. El Araby Group presented the achievements of the project over four years of collaboration, during which 264 projects were submitted by 238 teams, involving 1,225 students. The participants developed solutions to 338 industrial challenges, while 109 projects were successfully implemented within the Group's factories. In addition, 150 students received financial awards totaling EGP 384,000, reflecting the project's significant impact in fostering innovation and strengthening collaboration between higher education and industry.