Education is the way out of the challenges and difficulties facing our Arab and Islamic world, the Grand Imam

 

 

The prevailing social view of the superiority of some colleges over others must be changed

 

His Eminence the Grand Imam (GI) said that education is the most important factor in building societies and advancing nations. He pointed out that the Egyptian mentality has been distinguished through its history, roots and rich experiences throughout time, and this is attested to by the great philosophers who were taught by the Egyptians. He stressed that education must be at the forefront of the issues that occupy our minds to reach a reasonable and acceptable level of education, and that this is the way out of the challenges and difficulties that our Arab and Muslim world is going through in various fields.

 

During his meeting with Dr. Wael Akl, president of Nile University, and Dr. Tarek Khalil, the founding president of the university, the Grand Imam pointed out that our students have become victims of an almost chaotic view of education, ignorance of what is required, and a disconnection from necessary development. He called for a careful and thoughtful reconsideration of the educational systems at university and pre-university education stages, and for work according to an integrated national strategy to advance the mind, education, and human development.

 

His Eminence said it is necessary for pre-university education to qualify students to join university, and for education to reflect the problems of contemporary reality and provide realistic solutions for them. He warned against transforming education into a profitable product devoid of religious, cultural and Arab identity. He also pointed out the necessity of changing the prevailing social view towards the superiority of some colleges over others, and providing a suitable and healthy environment for practicing scientific research. His Eminence stressed the importance of caring for teachers and faculty members, and believing that neglecting them causes education to lose its most important component, which is providing a role model for the student and researcher to follow.

 

The President of Nile University expressed his happiness for meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He also expressed his happiness that the university is endeavoring to enhance cooperation with Al-Azhar University in various fields, and to positively impact society through developing the skills and capabilities of students and researchers in the fields of water and food security, information technology, and artificial intelligence.  This is based on the university's vision that the economic and social progress of society depends on innovation, encouraging entrepreneurship, adopting technology in building small and medium-sized companies, and creating quality job opportunities for young people.