A delegation of leading Egyptian universities has arrived in Nigeria for the third Egypt-Nigeria Educational Fair, a week-long initiative aimed at deepening academic cooperation, expanding scholarship opportunities, and fostering cross-border innovation.
The fair, which opened on Sunday at the Hilton Hotel in Abuja, will run from September 15 to 20 before moving to Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano. Participating institutions include Cairo University, Ain Shams University, El-Galala University, and Badr University.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Assem Hassaballa El-Sheikh, a member of the Press Syndicate and Supervisor of General Exhibitions, expressed gratitude for the reception in Nigeria. “It’s an avenue for us to interact with scholars and intellectuals in furthering the cause of education in Africa,” he said.
Professor Ibrahim Muhammad, Director-General of the Nigeria Arabic Village, welcomed the delegation warmly, describing Nigeria as Egypt’s “second home.”
He noted that this was not the first such initiative, recalling that it was at least the fifth time the fair had been organised in Nigeria.
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Muhammad also highlighted the centuries-old academic ties between the two nations, citing the Al-Azhar University hostel, Rawak al-Barnawi, which has long accommodated students from northern Nigeria. He encouraged young Nigerians to seize the moment. “Studying in Egypt is a golden opportunity. The academic environment is friendly and encouraging. Egypt is the land of civilisation,” he said.
Declaring the fair open, Egypt’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Fouad, described education as “the cornerstone of our historical bilateral relations.” He reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to advancing cooperation, stressing that Al-Azhar University has hosted Nigerian students for centuries.
Organisers of the fair emphasised that the event will provide opportunities for academic partnerships, scholarships, and student exchange programmes, further strengthening the educational bridge between Nigeria and Egypt.