Sharif Fouad El Masry writes about Dr. Ashraf Hanigal: The Engineer of Academia and Scientific Professionalism

I knew him a few months ago... when I requested a meeting with him about a procedural issue. He set an appointment for me with lightning speed... When I met him, I found him to be calm, soft-spoken, and cheerful.

Dr. Ashraf Hanigal, President of Suez University, represents a rare blend of professional competence, refined human sensibility, and sharp political insight. Under his leadership, Suez University strives to be a beacon of science and knowledge, and a national institution that serves the country with utmost sincerity and capability.

Dr. Ashraf Hanigal, President of Suez University, is a model of an academic leader who combines scientific professionalism, human depth, and political understanding of the university's role in serving society and the state. His journey in leading the university tells a story of continuous effort to advance a pivotal educational institution in the strategic Suez Canal region.

He worked to place Suez University on the map of universities striving for excellence and innovation. His approach involves developing the educational and research infrastructure and modernizing academic programs to keep pace with the requirements of the global labor market and Egyptian national projects. He focuses on scientific research and supports research projects with a direct developmental impact, especially in the fields of energy, marine resources, and engineering. He sought to expand the scope of cooperation with universities and industrial institutions, which enhances the exchange of expertise and student training opportunities.

He adopted clear plans to ensure the quality of education and obtain academic accreditation for various faculties, which raises the value of the granted certificates. He aims to graduate a qualified generation, not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the practical skills that enable them to contribute effectively to Egypt's 2030 Vision.

The effective element is often the human touch, as he is known for his closeness to the concerns and issues of students and his commitment to providing a supportive educational environment that encourages creativity and student activities. He believes that the student is the focus of the educational process. He also works to motivate academic and administrative cadres and provide professional development opportunities for them, realizing that the university's success is contingent upon empowering competencies. Many attest to his modest approach and open-door policy, which creates an atmosphere of trust and transparency within the campus and makes the university feel like one family.

Dr. Hanigal possesses a deep political awareness of the role of Suez University as a national institution in an important strategic location. This awareness translates into diligent efforts to link the university with the state's issues and the surrounding community, as the university is located near massive developmental projects such as the Suez Canal Axis and the Special Economic Zone. This is especially important as the political leadership is working to direct scientific research and specializations to serve these projects, making the university an active partner in economic development.

Suez University actively participates in national initiatives such as "Decent Life" (Hayah Karima) and works to provide medical and cultural convoys to surrounding areas, emphasizing its role as a soft power in building awareness and solving community problems. Furthermore, it works to enhance national identity; the university is keen to be a platform for promoting the values of belonging and patriotism among youth and realizing the challenges facing the state and how to contribute to overcoming them.