We are ready to host Nigerien imams and train them at Al-Azhar Academy for Training Imams and Preachers, GI

We are ready to establish a center for the Arabic language to teach the people of Niger the language of the Holy Quran, GI

We Count on Al-Azhar Graduates to Spread Coexistence and Tolerance in Our Country, Niger's FM

We thank you for taking care of Nigerien students studying at Al-Azhar, Niger's FM to Al-Azhar GI

Al-Azhar Grand Imam (GI), Prof. Ahmad al-Tayyeb, received today, Wednesday, at Al-Azhar HQ, Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss ways to enhance Al-Azhar’s scientific and dawah support for Muslims in Niger, and to discuss ways to enhance joint cooperation to achieve the goals of peace and tolerance in Niger.

His Eminence the Grand Imam said that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif is proud of the scientific, cultural and historical ties with the State of Niger, whose students have played a pivotal role in strengthening and advancing them. He pointed out that Al-Azhar is pleased to have 320 students from Niger studying at various educational levels. The Grand Imam explained that Al-Azhar allocates 17 scholarships annually for the Muslim youth of Niger. He pointed out that these scholarships are not limited to Islamic studies, and that some of them enable incoming students to enroll in scientific colleges such as medicine, pharmacy and engineering in order to meet the needs of African societies and participate in making their renaissance and independence.

The Grand Imam also confirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to receive imams from Niger to be trained at Al-Azhar Academy for Imams and Preachers, and to allocate a training program that addresses the most prominent internal challenges in Niger. The program helps raise the skills of imams and preachers in contemporary issues such as women’s issues, dealing with others, and other issues. He expressed Al-Azhar’s readiness to establish a center for teaching the Arabic language in Niger in a way that meets the needs of Muslims in learning the language of the Holy Quran.

Mr. Sangaré conveyed the greetings of General Abdourahamane Tchiani, President of Niger, and his appreciation for His Eminence’s efforts in supporting the African peoples and presenting the correct image of Islam to the world, and his wishes for His Eminence’s continued health and wellness. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also expressed his happiness to be present at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, that venerable institution that represents moderate Islam.

The Nigerien Foreign Minister affirmed his country's appreciation for the efforts made by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in supporting Nigeriens studying at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, providing them with care, and helping them overcome all challenges and obstacles they face during their stay in Egypt. He pointed out that Niger relies on its graduates from Al-Azhar to strengthen social peace and coexistence in the country, and that Al-Azhar graduates in Niger enjoy great status and appreciation and are present in various leadership positions at various bodies and ministries. They also participate with their Nigerien brothers in making their country's renaissance and overcoming contemporary challenges, especially in the areas of combating extremism and spreading the culture of coexistence and acceptance of others.