Regulations Governing High Education in Egypt in a Workshop at the BA
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Alexandria—
The BA organized a workshop on Saturday, 29 December 2007, entitled “Standardization of University Governance”, attended by several distinguished academia. The workshop was held within the framework of the “University Governance Conference” held in March 2007, organized by the BA Dialogue Forum in cooperation with the Ford Foundation.
Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria, stated in his opening speech that this workshop is the third as part of the project funded by the BA and Ford Foundation studying governance in high education in Egypt.
Dr. Serageldin raised questions on governance in the universities with increasing number of students, the role of private sector in the education process at large, and rules and regulations relevant to high education in the 21 century.
Dr. Serageldin added that reforming the educational structure as a whole needs effort and time and requires development of the educational institutions to adapt to the increasing changes. He also spoke about the autonomy of universities, free education, and the idea of student unions.
At the end of his speech, Dr. Serageldin stated that, as a member in the Education Committee of the Shura Council, he will raise the work plan and recommendations resulting from the workshop to the Committee as well as other implementation authorities and officials.
Dr. Fawzy Kechk, who delivered the address of Dr. Hassan Nodir, President of Alexandria University, thanked the BA and its director on behalf of Dr. Nodir for the its significant cultural role on the local, regional, and international levels.
He added that efforts are underway to develop the educational sector, however these efforts are hindered by several dilemmas related to the autonomy of universities. The main dilemma in this respect is maintaining the uniqueness and creativity of each university and at the same time adhering to the local and national goals.
Dr. Keck stated on behalf of Dr. Nodir that amending private education to serve national strategies and goals is another dilemma that should be addressed in the current legislative educational reform.
Dr. Saeed El-Dakak mentioned that current laws stipulate that universities are autonomous however this is not applied in reality; the concept of central governance is prevalent and each university does not enjoy its dependant character or curricula.
Dr. El-Dakak added that some regulations hinder the real autonomy of universities and called for reconsidering the hierarchy by which universities are governed. He maintained that the quality of education , society service, and scientific research should be the main guidelines for high education irrespective of any other considerations.
Following the opening session, a plenary session was held moderated by Dr. Eman El-Kafas, and speakers were Moatez Khorchid and Dr. Ahmed Sakr Ashour, in which structural turbulences and challenges facing high education were discussed. Three parallel sessions were also held as part of the workshop discussing governance for quality and competitiveness; laws governing higher education; and management, finances and ownership. At the end of the workshop, a session was held for action plan presentations and recommendations.