A delegation of leading Egyptian universities has arrived in Nigeria for the third Egypt–Nigeria Education Fair, aimed at strengthening academic partnerships, widening scholarship opportunities, and fostering cross-border innovation.
The fair, which began on September 15 at the Hilton Hotel in Abuja, will run until September 20, with subsequent sessions scheduled for Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano.
Participating institutions include Cairo University, Ain Shams University, El-Galala University, and Badr University, among others.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Assem Hassaballa El-Sheikh, a member of the Egyptian Press Syndicate and Supervisor of General Exhibitions, expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s hospitality, describing the fair as “an avenue to interact with scholars and intellectuals in furthering the cause of education in Africa.”
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 marks the fifth time Egypt is organising such an education fair in Nigeria, while recalling centuries-old academic ties between both nations, particularly through Al-Azhar University, which for decades has hosted Nigerian students, including at the Rawak al-Barnawi hostel dedicated to scholars from northern Nigeria.
Encouraging Nigerian students to seize the opportunity, Muhammad described Egypt as “the land of civilisation,” adding: “Studying in Egypt is a golden opportunity. The academic environment is friendly and encouraging.”
Egypt’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Fouad, who officially declared the fair open, said the initiative represents a continuation of the historic relationship between the two countries. “Education has always been the cornerstone of our bilateral relations,” he noted, while reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to supporting more Nigerian students.
Organisers say the fair will showcase scholarship opportunities, student exchange programmes, and institutional partnerships designed to deepen collaboration between Nigerian and Egyptian universities.