Egypt – The Seventh International Conference of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE) commenced on Sunday in Cairo, inaugurated by Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Ayman Ashour on behalf of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.
The conference, themed “Quality Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” brought together key figures in Egyptian education, including Mohamed El-Doweiny, the Deputy Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, representing Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb; Usama Al-Azhari, Minister of Religious Endowments; Mohamed Gobran, Minister of Labour; Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education; Nadia Badrawi, President of the Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ANQAHE); Michael K. J. Milligan, CEO of ABET (United States Accreditation Board); Douglas Blackstock, President of ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education); and Mohamed Omara, President of the Egyptian Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Technical Education.
Ashour highlighted the conference’s significance in addressing education quality issues in Egypt, the internationalization of education, and the vital role of ICT in enhancing and ensuring quality education. He commended NAQAAE’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into education, calling it crucial for reshaping Egypt’s higher education system. He emphasized the need to prioritize technology, innovation, and scientific research to ensure education meets the demands of the job market and future professions.
“We have 96 colleges for artificial intelligence and computer science across government, private, and technological universities,” Ashour stated, noting the significant increase in programs in these fields in recent years. “Over 115 Egyptian universities offer these programs, attracting 110,000 students, reflecting a 40% increase from the previous year.”
To achieve global standards in education quality, Ashour stressed the importance of adopting interdisciplinary specializations and cross-programmatic initiatives to equip graduates with the necessary skills for the job market. He expressed gratitude for the Authority’s work in accrediting academic programs and institutions in Egyptian universities and private higher institutes.
To further enhance international accreditation of academic programs, memoranda of understanding were signed in September to establish offices for three international accreditation bodies in Egypt, covering medical sciences, architecture and art, and commerce and economics. This initiative aims to facilitate the international accreditation of relevant programs following local approval.
Alaa Ashmawy, President of NAQAAE, announced the creation of two new sectors within the Authority: the Accreditation of Training Institutions and Programs and the National Qualifications Framework. He noted that while the National Qualifications Framework was launched ten years ago, its implementation is now underway through a platform containing 800 academic qualifications, developed in coordination with relevant entities.
Ashmawy outlined the conference’s primary goal: to facilitate the exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices regarding the application of artificial intelligence in enhancing education quality. He emphasized the importance of building trust in educational outputs at the national, regional, and international levels.
He pointed out that the conference aligns with Africa’s celebration of 2024 as the Year of Education, with participants from across the continent showcasing avenues for pan-African cooperation in quality assurance and accreditation in education. Initiatives such as the Harmonization of Quality Assurance Criteria in Africa (HAQAA3), the African Qualifications Framework (ACQF), and the establishment of the Pan-African Quality Assurance Agency (PAQAA) will be discussed.
The conference, held under the patronage of the Prime Minister, gathers nearly 1,000 specialists from all levels of education in Egypt, along with international experts, representatives of Arab and African quality assurance bodies, and several university presidents. The National Authority for Quality Assurance of Education and Accreditation aims to attract numerous international organizations and experts to share their knowledge with those involved in the educational process, from higher education to pre-university education. This initiative aims to drive a qualitative shift in Egyptian education and foster international partnerships in education and professional development.
The conference stems from the need to keep pace with modern technological advancements, recognizing the Authority’s crucial role in ensuring the quality of educational outputs and bolstering confidence in those outputs at national and international levels. This effort aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030, positioning it as a key player in educational development and a leader in ensuring quality.
This year’s conference is organized in collaboration with ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology; NEASC, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges; HAQAA, the Harmonization Initiative for Quality Assurance Criteria in Higher Education in African Countries; ANQAHE, the Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education; ENQA, the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education; and the Egyptian Knowledge Bank.
In his opening remarks, Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, expressed his pleasure in participating in this significant conference. He highlighted the unprecedented support from political leadership, particularly President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, for education and its related issues, making it a top priority.
The minister emphasized the Ministry of Education and Technical Education’s tireless efforts to continuously elevate the education system’s performance and enhance various educational services. This commitment arises from the belief that education is the driving force behind development and a fundamental pillar for nation-building.
He noted that the state has made significant investments over the past decade in reforming and developing education, ensuring that all citizens have access to high-quality education through policy and systemic reforms. He acknowledged the growing societal awareness of modern age demands, particularly as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent changes in labor markets and lifestyles. These transformations have led to a greater understanding among Egyptian families of the necessity for education that enhances their children’s skills and abilities, preparing them for a future characterized by fierce competition across various fields.
The minister reaffirmed that quality equates to striving for excellence, noting that current achievements are merely initial steps toward attaining educational quality and excellence. He reiterated that achieving this quality is a shared responsibility involving students, educational institutions, the community, and the state. Collaborative efforts from all parties are essential, with each stakeholder playing a defined role and assuming clear responsibility.
The minister expressed confidence that through concerted efforts among all state institutions, they will continue to build upon the foundation laid thus far, nurturing innovative generations capable of achieving development and prosperity while upholding national values and identity.
Minister of Labour Mohamed Gobran stated that the conference’s theme is timely, urging collective efforts to align education and training with the needs of both domestic and international labor markets. This endeavor will require collaboration with all stakeholders in development, both domestically and internationally. He expressed hope for the conference’s success, viewing it as a pivotal intellectual and educational event for the international exchange of best practices aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence to elevate education quality and enhance accreditation processes.
This aligns with the strategic objective of attracting significant numbers of international organizations and experts to share their expertise with those involved in the educational process at both the higher education and pre-university levels. The goal is to achieve a qualitative transformation in Egyptian education, facilitate its internationalization, and strengthen global partnerships, ultimately leading to mutual recognition of academic and training qualifications worldwide. These objectives were declared by the National Authority for Quality Assurance of Education and Accreditation.
