In alignment with the Egyptian state’s orientation toward the internationalization of higher education and the strengthening of global academic partnerships, Prof. Mohamed Hussein, President of Tanta University, chaired today an extensive virtual meeting with a high-level delegation from North-West University, Republic of South Africa, to explore prospects for joint cooperation in education, scientific research, and innovation.

    The foreign university’s delegation included a distinguished group of academic and executive leaders, among them Shernice Soobramoney, Director of Global Strategic Partnerships; Abraham Frederick Kotzé, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences; Nontsikelelo Kote, Executive Director of Strategy and Projects; Petra Bester, Director of Research and Lead of the Medical School Establishment Project; Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje, Deputy Dean for Quality Assurance and Postgraduate Studies; Brandt Klopper, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Faculty of Engineering; and Letlotlo Patience Lebeko, Executive Assistant for Strategy and Projects.

    The meeting was also attended by Prof. Mohamed Hantira, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Chairman of the University Hospitals Board; Prof. Rajia Sharshar, Director of the Training Department at the Faculty of Medicine; Prof. Shahira Sharaf El-Din, Director of the Main Center for International Relations and Expatriate Affairs; Prof. Afaf Bassal, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing; Prof. Ahmed Gouda, Acting Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Coordinator of the Clinical Pharmacy Program; and Prof. Mohamed Hamdy, Professor at the Faculty of Science.

    During the meeting, Prof. Mohamed Hussein delivered a comprehensive presentation on Tanta University’s capabilities, highlighting its advanced infrastructure, distinguished academic programs, and robust research capacities. He also noted the university’s significant progress in international rankings, the increasing number of international students, as well as student activities and training programs aimed at enhancing graduates’ skills.

    In a related context, Prof. Mohamed Hantira presented a detailed overview of the distinguished medical and research capabilities of the Faculty of Medicine and the university hospitals. He outlined the integrated postgraduate system, which includes doctoral, master’s, and diploma programs, in addition to a variety of short- and long-term training programs aimed at developing clinical skills.

    The Dean further underscored the quality of the educational and medical systems, highlighting the local and international accreditations obtained by the faculty, which enhance the university’s standing as a distinguished destination for students and researchers from around the world.

    The meeting addressed several strategic topics aimed at expanding academic cooperation. The discussion agenda prioritized the exploration of joint educational programs, particularly in the fields of medicine and health sciences, alongside the activation of student and faculty exchange programs and the development of multidisciplinary joint research projects. The participants also discussed the establishment of joint postgraduate programs and the mechanisms for signing and activating Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Additionally, both sides reviewed their academic and research capacities, with a focus on opportunities for integration in medical, pharmaceutical, engineering, and basic sciences education.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties emphasized the importance of maintaining coordination and cooperation in the coming phase and working toward translating the outcomes of the meeting into tangible implementation steps that serve mutual interests and support the development of an advanced model for international university education.