English important news
Strategic Partnership Between Alexandria University and Microsoft to Enhance Digital Transformation and Student Skill Development
In line with the state’s orientation toward digital transformation and Alexandria University’s strategy to develop its educational system, Prof. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, received Mr. Amr El-Masry, Education Sector Manager for Egypt and North Africa at Microsoft, to discuss avenues for strengthening joint cooperation aimed at equipping students with modern technological skills.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Magdy Abdel Azim, Executive Director of the University’s Information Center, and Prof. Sameh Nokhla, Assistant Vice President for Education and Student Affairs. Discussions focused on mechanisms for implementing cooperation through advanced training programs, internationally recognized certifications, and specialized workshops in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud computing.
Prof. Abdel Hakim emphasized that this step aligns with Egypt’s national digital transformation strategy and the fruitful collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education and Microsoft. He noted that such partnerships enable Egyptian universities to develop their educational environments and prepare highly qualified graduates capable of competing in the global digital labor market.
Prof. Magdy Abdel Azim highlighted that the strategic partnership between the university and Microsoft represents a model of sustainable cooperation based on knowledge exchange and the maximization of modern technologies. He added that the collaboration contributes to enhancing the university’s technological infrastructure and providing advanced digital tools that support both teaching and research. He further stressed that the university seeks, through this partnership, to empower students and faculty members with cutting-edge technological solutions that foster innovation, improve performance efficiency, and align with the requirements of digital transformation in higher education institutions.
Mr. Amr El-Masry expressed Microsoft’s pride in cooperating with Egyptian universities under the agreement signed with the Ministry of Higher Education, affirming that these initiatives aim to empower students, support innovation, and enhance their readiness for the digital job market. He explained that the partnership includes organizing training programs and scientific events, supporting graduation projects, and providing internship opportunities, thereby reinforcing Alexandria University’s position as a leading model in implementing digital transformation within Egyptian higher education institutions.
In this context, the Faculty of Education at Alexandria University organized an event titled “Artificial Intelligence Innovation Initiative” in collaboration with Microsoft and with active participation from the “Students for Egypt” family, aiming to connect students with the latest global technological applications and encourage them to develop innovative solutions serving both the academic community and the labor market.
Prof. Hassan Abdeen, Dean of the Faculty of Education, stated that the university seeks to leverage this partnership to prepare digitally competent teachers and researchers equipped with future skills, emphasizing that the initiative represents a practical model for integrating modern technology into the educational process.
Prof. Sameh Nokhla also stressed the importance of employing artificial intelligence technologies in developing assessment and evaluation systems, as well as improving teaching and learning processes for faculty members and students, noting that digital transformation is a fundamental pillar for modernizing education and enhancing the quality of its outcomes.
Alexandria University Receives Institutional and Program Accreditation Review Team from the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education
Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, received the institutional and program accreditation review team from the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education, as part of the university’s efforts to monitor the implementation of quality standards at the Faculty of Early Childhood Education.
The visit is scheduled to take place over three days, from April 26 to 28, aiming to assess the faculty’s compliance with institutional and program accreditation standards, reflecting its commitment to developing the educational system and achieving comprehensive quality.
The review team includes a group of quality assurance experts, headed by Dr. Hamed Emara, and was attended by Dr. Lamia Othman, Acting Dean of the Faculty, and Dr. Kamal Metwally, Director of the University Quality Assurance Center, along with the faculty’s accreditation coordinators.
During the meeting, Dr. Abdel Hakim emphasized that Alexandria University places quality assurance and accreditation at the forefront of its priorities, considering them essential pillars for advancing the educational and research system. He noted the university’s commitment to providing full technical and administrative support to its faculties, enabling them to implement their strategic plans and meet institutional excellence standards.
He further added that the university is working to promote a culture of quality and continuous evaluation, and to enhance development and improvement practices across all academic sectors, contributing to the preparation of graduates capable of competing in both local and international labor markets, while also strengthening the university’s role in community service and sustainable development.
Alexandria University Council discusses preparations for second semester examinations and approves a number of academic decisions and international cooperation agreements
Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, affirmed during the University Council meeting held on Monday, 27 April 2026, the necessity of completing all preparations for the second semester examinations across all faculties and institutes of the university, in order to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination process within a framework of discipline and transparency.
He emphasized to faculty deans the importance of full adherence to the approved academic timetable, ensuring the readiness of examination committees and halls, and providing suitable conditions for students. He also stressed the need to implement all necessary organizational and precautionary measures, facilitate procedures for students, and remove any obstacles they may face.
Furthermore, Dr. Abdel Hakim highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring of examination procedures and the on-site presence of academic leaders to ensure proper organization and the highest levels of discipline within examination committees.
The Council approved the preliminary academic calendar for the academic year 2026/2027, whereby the first semester will begin on 19 September 2026, with examinations scheduled to start on 2 January 2027. The mid-year break will begin on 23 January 2027, while the second semester will commence on 6 February 2027, bringing the total duration of study to 32 weeks.
The University President also instructed faculty deans to ensure that final-year students promptly complete the Egyptian Student Participation Survey via the following link:
as a prerequisite for benefiting from university services and receiving academic results, in addition to supporting decision-makers and improving the quality of the educational process and student services.
The Council approved the nomination of the field of Islamic and Cultural Heritage for the establishment of a UNESCO Chair, as part of supporting specialized scientific research, promoting efforts to preserve and safeguard cultural heritage, and documenting and disseminating related knowledge at both regional and international levels, thereby enhancing the academic institution’s cultural role and global presence.
The Council also approved the establishment of the “INSAT” digital platform for providing psychological support services to all members of Alexandria University and their families, through a multidisciplinary team supervised by specialized faculty members from relevant colleges, aiming to provide scientifically based counseling and support services that enhance the quality of university life and foster a safe and supportive educational environment.
The Council honored the deans of the Faculties of Engineering, Science, and Tourism and Hotels for the accreditation of seven academic programs by the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education, following successful evaluation visits and fulfillment of all required standards, reflecting their commitment to academic excellence and quality assurance.
The Council also honored Dr. Nagda Ibrahim Mady, Dean of the Faculty of Specific Education, on the occasion of the end of her term, in appreciation of her dedicated efforts and continuous contributions to the development of the faculty and the advancement of its academic and administrative system.
The Council further approved a number of international cooperation agreements, including agreements on Chinese language teaching with the Chinese Ministry of Education’s Language Education and Cooperation Center (Faculty of Arts), academic progression cooperation with McMaster University (DeGroote School of Business, Canada), cooperation agreements between the Faculty of Pharmacy and the University of West Attica and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece), a memorandum of understanding between the Faculty of Agriculture and Southwest University (China), and cooperation between the Medical Research Institute and Amman Arab University (Jordan).
The Council also approved donations from Pharos University (Ragab Group) for equipping operating rooms and intensive care units at Smoha University Hospital and El-Maamoura Hospital, totaling EGP 12.3 million, as well as a donation from Al-Ghorably Engineering Works for the Stroke Unit in the Neurology and Psychiatry Department worth EGP 1.85 million.
Finally, the Council approved the promotion of 16 faculty members (7 to Professor and 9 to Associate Professor), the appointment of 16 lecturers, and the awarding of 70 PhD degrees and 148 Master’s degrees across various scientific disciplines.
The Community Service and Environmental Development Council reviews electricity rationalization campaign results and proposes establishment of digital psychological support platform “INSAT”
Dr. Affaf Al-Oufy, Vice President of Alexandria University for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, extended her congratulations to all members of the university on the occasion of Sinai Liberation Day, wishing Egypt continued progress, prosperity, and development. This came during the meeting of the Council of Community Service and Environmental Development held yesterday, 26/4/2026.
The Council reviewed the results of the electricity rationalization campaign launched by the Egyptian state in cooperation with Egyptian universities, in implementation of Prime Ministerial Decree No. 909 of 2026. Faculty representatives confirmed that instructions were issued to avoid the use of air conditioners and electric kettles, and to ensure all power sources in lecture halls and laboratories are switched off immediately after the end of the academic day. These measures, along with reducing improper practices, led to significant savings reflected in reduced electricity consumption bills.
The Vice President also emphasized the importance of continuous follow-up by faculty deputies and occupational safety and health officials through regular inspections of all facilities, lecture halls, and laboratories, as part of preparations for the upcoming second semester examinations of 2026.
Dr. Affaf Al-Oufy also congratulated the students of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) at Alexandria University on winning the Outstanding Regional Student Chapter Award 2026 in the category of community engagement (Small Size Group), at the level of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, in recognition of their excellence in student activities and community service leadership.
In line with the university’s commitment to its social role and support for underprivileged groups, the Council was briefed on the organization of the “Dukan El-Farha” initiative in cooperation with the Tahya Misr Fund. The initiative supported more than 6,500 students and 1,500 university workers, providing 41,000 items of clothing, footwear, accessories, school supplies, and 2,000 educational books. It also included preparing wedding packages for 10 female employees, distributing 1,500 food boxes, and providing 20 wheelchairs for students with disabilities.
The Council was also informed of the opening of nominations for the UNESCO Prize for the Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Education 2026, titled “Reimagining Critical Thinking through Artificial Intelligence,” highlighting the importance of university participation through innovative projects utilizing AI in education.
The Council further reviewed the proposed establishment of the digital platform “INSAT” (Ensaṭ), aimed at providing psychological support services for all members of Alexandria University and their families, through a multidisciplinary team supervised by specialized faculty members from relevant colleges.
In addition, the Council discussed the university’s preparations to participate in the fifth edition of the Egypt Government Excellence Award 2026, in accordance with performance and institutional excellence criteria.
Finally, the Council reviewed several reports submitted by faculties regarding seminars, workshops, employment forums, medical convoys, and training programs organized during March and April 2026.
Alexandria University SPE Students Shine Regionally with Community Engagement Award
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, extended his congratulations to the students of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) student chapter at Alexandria University on winning the 2026 Regional Outstanding Student Chapter Award in the Community Engagement category (Small Size Group) at the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) level. The achievement reflects the excellence of student activities and leadership in community service.
This recognition comes as a culmination of a series of impactful community initiatives and activities carried out by the chapter, which focused on enhancing student engagement, promoting volunteerism and social responsibility, and linking academic study with practical application to serve community needs. It also included raising scientific and professional awareness in the fields of energy and petroleum engineering, as well as fostering leadership values and teamwork among students.
The achievement highlights the dedicated efforts of the student chapter members under the supervision of Dr. Dina El-Giar, Academic Advisor, in addition to the academic and institutional support they received, which contributed to creating a tangible positive impact both on campus and within the local community, and reinforced Alexandria University’s position as a hub for student excellence and innovation at both regional and international levels.
Prof. Dr. Abdel Hakim also congratulated all members of the SPE Alexandria University chapter on this distinguished achievement, wishing them continued success and further accomplishments that elevate the university’s name and contribute to community service while building promising young leaders.