In a speech by Prof. Dr. Ashraf Mohamed Hnijal, SU President, at the close of the second-semester examinations, he reviewed some of the SU achievements during the academic year 2023/2024. He explained that these achievements and many others are a translation of the vision and guidance of His Excellency Mr. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi the Egyptian President and The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who gives special and unprecedented attention to the higher education and scientific research sector as an important and influential tool in driving development through the optimal preparation of Egypt's youth capable of contributing vigorously to building the future of this dear homeland.
The SU President also noted that these achievements are part of the Egyptian Government's efforts under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the Prime Minister, who works continuously to provide a decent life for the Egyptian people. These achievements also keep pace with the themes of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research launched by Prof. Dr. Mohammed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
The SU President stressed that what had been done actually on the ground at Suez University, is a unique and unprecedented achievement in the history of the University in various sectors. Then, he started with a review of what has been done in the construction sector at the University, as he noted:
Construction Sector
SU branch at Abordis in South Sinai:
Hnijal explained that one of the most important things that can be mentioned in this sector is how many achievements have already been made on the ground at the branch of Suez University in Abordis, South Sinai, to serve the governorate. He explained that 100 acres at Abordis in the South Sinai governorate have been allocated to establish the university branch as part of the Egyptian state's efforts to develop the Sinai Peninsula.
The "SU President" noted that the SU branch will include 17 faculties and an integrated medical complex, noting that construction work has been completed for the first phase faculties, which include faculties of (Science - Commerce - Arts - Education), noting that each faculty's building consists of a ground floor and four upper floors on an area of 5,000 flat meters for the Faculty of Sciences, and 3500 flat meters for each of the Faculties of (Commerce, Arts, and education), at a total cost of over one billion and 110 million pounds for the first phase.
The SU President has confirmed that the SU branch in South Sinai is the nucleus of an independent university in Sinai, where the second phase of the university branch will include (the Faculty of Engineering, Auditorium Buildings, University Dormitory, University Administration, Conference Room, and a Library), while Phase III includes (Scientific faculties, medical sector faculties, and a medical complex), in addition to the fourth phase which includes the (Sports city buildings, Olympic sports complex including playgrounds, covered lounge, half-Olympic swimming pool) to serve the people of South Sinai governorate.
SU Hospital:
Concerning the University Hospital, the SU President stated that it would be an important addition to the University health sector. He explained that the proposed organizational structure of the SU Hospitals was approved by the Supreme Council of University Hospitals. The University Council approved the financial regulations of the University Hospital and is being approved by the Supreme Council of University Hospitals.
The SU University Hospital is divided into three zones, A, B, and C, and we are now in the finalization phase of zone A which represents about 25% of the hospital area.
The SU Faculty of Medicine is one of the best academic icons in Egypt. If the university hospital is added to the faculty, the hospital will enter service to provide health services to the Suez community. The hospital is set up on an area of 42 thousand meters and has 17 outpatient clinics, 15 operating rooms (13 operating rooms, 2 binoculars), 260 accommodation beds, 26 emergency beds, 22 dialysis units, 23 intensive care beds, 25 incubators, 6 analytics laboratories, and 6 analysis rooms.
New University Dormitory:
Concerning the new student dormitory, Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, SU President, said that Suez University sought to provide suitable accommodation for its students. The University established a new building of the University dormitory in Al mostaqbal city at an initial cost of 300 million pounds (down payment). The building consists of a ground floor and 4 floors, the floor area is 5400 square meters. The building includes 140 bedrooms with a capacity of 420 beds. The building has now been furnished and ready for operation. Students of delegations of various Egyptian universities were received in the events of the first student activities festival organized by Suez University with the help of the Institute for the Preparation of Leaders in Helwan last April.
▪︎ Raising the efficiency of the current university dormitory
The SU President explained that the development of student housing was not only limited to the new university dormitory in Al Mostaqbal city but also a comprehensive plan had been implemented to upgrade the efficiency of existing university dormitories, where comprehensive maintenance had been done in terms of sanitation, electricity, carpentry, and paints as well as they were furnished with new furniture.
Regarding the University dormitory of "Uhud District", a plan has been drawn up for comprehensive maintenance and upgrading of its efficiency. Two buildings of seven buildings have already been completed and the rest of the buildings are being completed before the start of the next university year, Insha’Allah.
Central coefficient:
In the context of the construction file, the SU President noted that the University desires to develop the scientific and research system. So, the building of the Central Laboratory Complex is currently being built at an initial cost (at the time of the start of construction) exceeding 140 million pounds. A building with 3 suites consisting of a ground floor + 4 upper floors with a surface of 5,100 square meters per floor. The concrete phase was finished, and the building is at the finishing stage.
Fire Network Development Project at the University's general site
The SU President referred to the fire network development project implemented at the University's general site to secure the University buildings in case of any fires "God forbid" at a cost of about 46 million pounds, the initial phase comes at 20 million pounds. It is the implementation of new networks of "polyethylene" pipelines and the work of fire taps on the general site and connecting 14 buildings of the University to the fire network on the public site (University dormitory of Al-Salam - Building of the Faculty of Physical Education - Computers and Information Faculty - Faculty of Technology and Education both the Administrative and Educational buildings - Faculty of Fish Resources both the Administrative and Educational buildings - Building of the Old Mosque – Educational building of the Faculty of Education and Science - Administrative building of the Faculty of Education - Administrative building of the Faculty of Science - Administrative building of the Faculty of Arts - Faculty of Politics and Economics. In addition to the Rehabilitation and Operation of Land Tank Pumps). Hnijal stated that the second phase, at a cost of about 26 million pounds, was the construction of a new earth reservoir to accommodate the rest of the university buildings and complete the rest of the lines on the general site.
● Develop and update the university's academic programs to prepare a competitive graduate in the labor market.
Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, the SU President honored the development of advanced academic programs capable of qualifying graduates to proceed In moving forward steadfastly in the way of the labor market as well as even strong competition in it at the local, regional, or international levels makes the University a destination for those wishing to stand out, The university is characterized by several unique and atypical faculties and disciplines that qualify the graduate with a great degree of uniqueness Unorthodox academic programs developed by the various faculties of the University, which places the graduate of Suez University in a position of excellence in the labor market.
Hnijal reviewed the non-traditional programs offered by Suez University to its students by the system of credit hours from various faculties, where he explained:
The University's non-traditional academic programs:
The Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering offers non-traditional programs: (Petroleum Exploration and Production Engineering - Petroleum and Gas Engineering - Energy and Environmental Engineering).
- The Faculty of Commerce offers non-traditional programs: (English Language Division - Management Information Systems Program - Supply Chain Management Program and Logistics - Professional Master's Degree - Professional Doctorate).
- The Faculty of Technology and Education offers non-traditional programs (renewable energy technology - civil construction technology - oil and gas equipment technology - water technology).
- The Faculty of Science also offers several non-traditional programs (petrochemical, exploration of petroleum and mineral ores, petroleum and natural gas, mathematics and computer science, microbiology and biochemistry, and professional master's degree).
- The Faculty of Fish Resources also offers a program: Marine Fisheries.
- The Faculty of Arts also offers several non-traditional programs: English Specialized Translation Program - French Specialized Translation Program - Space and Geographic Information Systems Program - Clinical Psychology Program.
- The Faculty of Politics and Economics also offers programs of political science in English Language and economics in English.
- The Faculty of Engineering also offers several non-traditional programs: the Marine Engineering Program of the Department of Mechanical Engineering - the Smart Facility Engineering Program of the Department of Civil Engineering.
- Faculty of Media and Communication Technology offers the Digital Media Master's program.
- The Faculty of Education is preparing the English Language Mathematics and Science Teacher's Program for language schools.
Centre for Scientific Research and International Classification:
SU President spoke about this axis with particular interest, which is of great importance. As it places the University in various educational institutions at the local and international levels. This focus is based on the quality of scientific research in terms of the quantity and how research submitted by the University and published in various international scientific journals plays a role in raising the University's classification.
In the field of scientific research, Hnijal stressed that his encouragement to this sector comes from the great support emphasized by His Excellency the President of the Republic on various occasions, and His Excellency repeatedly emphasized his great confidence in the minds of Egyptian scholars. In this context, the SU President noted the improvement of the University's classification in various international classifications:
- Inclusion of Suez University in the top 2,000 universities worldwide according to the CWUR ranking for 2024 according to the official website of the International Classification of Universities the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR).
- Suez University entered the Times Higher Education THE world ranking of emerging universities for the first time 401-500, with Egyptian ranking 15.
- Progress in international rankings, according to the Scimago rankings, the University's ranking has advanced from 6,278 in 2022 to 5,239 in 2023 to date.
- Times Higher Education Rating THE World Ranking 1001-1200 Egyptian Ranking 17.
- Arabic Times for Higher Education Rating Arabic Ranking 91-100, Egyptian Ranking 16.
- CWUR World University Ranking Centre 1850, Egyptian Ranking 19.
- Scimago Ranking World Ranking 5752, Arabic Ranking 87, and Egyptian Ranking 24.
- Webometrics Ranking: World ranking 4665, Arab ranking 256, and Egyptian ranking 42.
- Arab ranking of universities ARU: Arab ranking 37 and Egyptian ranking 16.
- University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP): World ranking 1837 and Egyptian ranking 25.
- CWUR rating in Emirates 1952 (top 9.4%), Egyptian ranking 20.
- The inclusion of 10 researchers from Suez University of Suez in Stanford's list of the world’s top 2% most influential.
- Five researchers from Suez University received the State Promotion Award in the last two years.
- Suez University has achieved an unprecedented breakthrough in certain disciplines such as geology and geosciences. Moreover, the university ranked first at the level of Egyptian, African, and Arab universities and second at the level of the Middle East and 102 globally according to the Scimago classification.
- Industrial and manufacturing engineering: The University ranks 5th in Egypt, 10 in Africa, 19 Arabs, 30 in the Middle East, and 789 globally.
About scientific research:
The number of research published in scientific journals with high-impact transactions in 2023 was about 599, and about 242 as of the end of the first third of 2024.
Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, the SU President, said that he first announced several awards at the beginning of June this year to encourage all the University's associated staff to produce and research.
Scientific Publishing Awards in Science and Literature which include the following:
1. University Award for Scientific Excellence
2. University Recognition Award
3. University of Encouragement Award
4. University Scientific Publishing Awards
5. University Award for Best Author's Work
6. University Award for Best Patent
7. University Awards for Best Master's Degree and Doctorate
8. University Women Scholar Award
The SU President invited all the University`s associated staff to participate in the competition, affirming that it would undoubtedly yield outstanding results.
Digital Transformation Sector:
The SU President clarified that the experience of information technology and digital transformation has witnessed a significant leap in the previous years to the extent that made Suez University one of the best at the level of Egyptian universities in this sector.
- The construction phase of the new electronic testing building has been completed with a capacity of 2080 computers (cost over 100 million pounds). It consists of 4 floors, each floor exceeding 500 computers and now the university is in the process of supplying and receiving devices.
- All bachelor's students, graduate students, and faculty staff members have a university email through which some electronic services can be done.
- The University has an electronic testing center that includes 7 testing laboratories with 460 computers.
- Electronic tests were carried out for medical sector faculties as well as other faculties such as the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Politics and Economics, and the Faculty of Computers and Information.
- The University provides access points in all faculties and there are 200 Wi-Fi distribution units. It is accessible to students by email for more than 15 thousand students and more than 1,000 teaching staff members in about 47 buildings.
- All lecture rooms and laboratories have points and network connectivity of 100% where there are more than 8 thousand networking points.
- Fiber high-speed Internet lines and cables have been extended to the university as well as connecting faculties and laboratories to surveillance devices at a cost of up to 6.5 million with a length of more than 20 thousand meters to the main university site and 6 external sites.
- The electronic testing building is currently being completed for the second precedent, which includes about 2080 devices with a cost of more than 200 million pounds.
- The university entrance gates are now equipped to be automated by the Turn-style gates with smart cards for students and cars.
- More than 800 examiners have been trained in tests of the basics of digital transformation.
- A university website was set up in cooperation with the Presidency of the Information and Decision Support Centre of the Cabinet at the latest level to raise the university's classification.
- The results of students are announced on the university's website where students enter their username and password.
- Mechanization of medical detection services.
- Mechanization of certain tuition fee services.
The University's participation in the 2024 presidential elections
Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, SU President, said that the country's historic turnout in the various electoral commissions to cast votes in the presidential election had been several months ago. This affirms that the Egyptians have a full awareness of all current issues and a proper understanding of reality, and the importance of active participation in various political events, which affirms that Egypt will be at the forefront of its people's potential. He stressed what Egypt witnessed over the voting days was a clear message to everyone who tried to mess with the Egyptian people's consciousness.
Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, SU President, supervised tours of various faculties of the university to pursue a process to urge students on the importance of participating in presidential elections. SU Vice-Presidents, deans of faculties, and several teaching staff members accompanied the SU President.
The SU President was accompanied by many international students and went to Future Elementary School which is one of the six committees dedicated to expatriates to vote in the 2024 presidential elections.
Student Activities Sector:
In the sector of student activities, the SU President noted that interest in this sector is of great importance because these activities provide students with experience and qualify them to face various difficulties of post-university life. The University is not only an institution for the provision of academic science but also it is an integrated institution that seeks to discover talents and refine the abilities of students in various fields of sports, art, science, culture, social, rover activities, and student community.
Hnijal stressed that the University spares no effort to provide the right climate for participation in such activities and events at various universities but even organizes the University for many of these activities.
- Last April, Suez University organized the First Student Activities Festival at Suez University for students from Egyptian universities and institutes in cooperation with the Institute for the Preparation of Leaders. It was conducted under the auspices of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and with the participation of 28 Egyptian universities in four activities (Fustal - Beach Ball - Oil Painting - Chess) under the slogan “Egypt Free Safe Secure”.
- The Futsal Course celebrates 50 years of October victories over the SU President's Cup in October 2023 with the participation of 150 students from various faculties of the University.
- Refresher swimming competition between university faculties in November 2023.
- Participation in the sports meeting for people with disabilities in the city of youth and sports in Abu Qeer in the Goalball Competition from 29/11/2023 until 2/12/2023.
- The holding of qualifiers in the athletics competition among the University faculties on the grounds of the University on 29/11/2023.
- Participation in the sports meeting for people with disabilities in the city of youth and sports in Abu Qir from 29/12/2023 until 2/12/2023 in the Goalball Competition.
- Participation in the athletics competition from within the plan of the Sports Federation of Universities: (Martyr El Rufai) with (4 male and female players) in the shot put, 200 m, and 400 m jogging from 6/12/2023 day until 8/12/2023 at the American University.
- Participation in creative (12) competitions under the auspices of His
Excellency Mr. President of the Republic, under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, during the academic year 2023/2024 in the fields of (Information League, Poetry, Short Story, Novel, and Television Reporter) during the months (November-December-January-February) (18 male and female students).
- Participation in the family and community awareness campaign under the slogan "A stable family = a safe society" of the Ministry of Youth and Sports for (80) male and female students, on Monday, 25 March 2024, within the university.
The visit of a delegation from Suez University to police stations and the presentation of roses and chocolates on the occasion of the celebration of police holidays on Thursday 25/1/2024.
- Visit the Cairo International Fair with a delegation of 150 male and female students on 30/1/2024.
- Visit to the Cairo International Fair with a delegation from the University. Among the visits allocated to the University, students on 6/2/2024 followed the People's Defense.
Community Service and Environment Development Sector:
In his speech on the community service sector and environmental development, Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, the SU President, explained that this sector has witnessed a breakthrough in how much and how services it provides through the university's potential for the surrounding community. Moreover, the SU President noted that the vision of this sector seeks to have the community service and environment development sector play an active and influential role in promoting the inclusive and sustainable development of society, through active participation in community services and integration with community actors to promote the public interest, establishing projects and events that serve the sector's vision and contribute to the realization of Egypt's Vision 2030.
Based on this ambitious vision, the University has undertaken many activities and achievements in this context, including:
First: Integrated convoys for East Delta universities
Suez University participated in the third and fourth integrated convoy of eastern delta universities implemented by the universities of El Arish and Port Said, with various disciplines from the faculties of medicine, fish resources, arts, and the institute of nursing.
Second: Medical convoys:
- The University also organized several medical convoys aimed at the residents of the Suez governorate to provide a distinguished health service by the staff of the SU Faculty of Medicine, where a specialized medical convey for eye diseases was organized at the Suez General Hospital; A total of 686 cases were detected.
- Medical day for the employees at Suez University in December 2023 at the Conference Hall of the Faculty of Medicine, 46 children of university workers were revealed.
- The medical convoy, with the participation of the Faculty of Medicine and in cooperation with the Directorate of Endowments, the Directorate of Health, the Association of the Children of El-Salam and the Population Unit, and the hosting of the Association of Loved Prophets, in the framework of the initiative of renal morbidity and chronic.
Third: Hayah Karima Initiative
Hnijal explained that the presidential initiative is Haya Karima within the framework of the National Strategy for Sustainable Development "Egypt 2030". This initiative aimed at changing behaviors, spreading environmental awareness, and urging citizens - especially the youth - to participate in the preservation of the environment and natural resources to ensure their sustainability and preserve the rights of future generations.
- Based on this framework, Suez University participated for three consecutive days in the comprehensive medical convoy organized by the Foundation for a Dignified Life entitled "You are the Life" in the neighborhood of El Ganain last September.
- Suez University organized with the participation of the Faculty of Medicine and in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Fund for the Prevention and Treatment of Addiction an awareness-raising medical convoy implemented in January 2024.
- The Suez University also carried out the awareness-raising medical convoy of the Association for Community Development with the El-Ganain Neighborhood in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in February 2024. The Faculty of Medicine, the Fund for the Prevention and Treatment of Addiction, the General Authority for Adult Education, and the Haya Karima Foundation participated in the convoy.
- Participation of students of the Faculty of Technology and Education, the General Authority for Adult Education, in addition to the work of an educational seminar carried out by the Fund for the Prevention and Treatment of Addiction and the Dangers of Drugs to the Individual and Society.
▪︎fourth: Literacy Project:
Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, SU President, stated that illiteracy is a homeland issue, because it has negative social, economic, and political implications that affect the progress and development of society, hampers sustainable development processes, and reflects a leap in various fields of action, as one of the most important and serious problems facing developing countries nowadays.
Thus, the SU President directed the need to work diligently to try to contribute to this problem.
- (17) medical convoys served 4931beneficiaries from 21/2/2023 to date 4/3/2024
- (29) literacy convoys served 3867 beneficiaries from 8/7/2023 to 20/5/2024.
Conferences and seminars:
Because the University believes in the importance of symposiums and conferences in giving the University's staff a great deal of experience and knowledge of great importance in enlightening minds, the University has organized several events, such as:
- Educational symposium on October victories entitled "The illuminated history of Suez Governorate through different historical times", on 10/10/2023.
- Educational seminar on October victories on 18/10/2023
- Symposium entitled "The role of universities in combating violence and discrimination against women".
- The SU President inaugurated the "Amidst" training and met the disabled students at the university.
- Symposium entitled "Money laundering, graft, illegal migration, and human trafficking offenses.
- Educational seminar entitled "Narcotic substances and their negative impact on the individual and society", held in the Faculty of Education on 13 December 2023.
- Educational seminar entitled "Financial inclusion activities and supporting entrepreneurs in non-financial services" in cooperation with Cairo Bank (under the Central Bank's initiative)
:: Conferences
- Third Annual Conference of the Faculty of Medicine (30 May 2024) under the auspices of Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, SU President, supervision of Prof. Dr. Said Hamid Abadi, SU Vice President for Community Service and Environment Development Affairs and the Supervisor of the Faculty.
- Second Student Conference of the Faculty of Medicine under the auspices of Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, SU President, supervision of Prof. Dr. Said Hamid Abadi, SU Vice President for Community Service and Environment Development Affairs and the Supervisor of the Faculty.
- First Student Activities Conference of the Faculty of Arts, entitled "Integration of the Humanities and their Role in the Development of Society (Student Vision)", under the auspices of Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, SU President.
- Under the auspices of Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, SU President, and in the presence of Prof. Dr. Sherif Mohamed Fahmy Acting SU Vice-President for Postgraduate and Research Affairs, and with the participation of students from several Egyptian universities; Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, SU President inaugurated the Sixth Student Conference of the Faculty of Science.
- The SU President inaugurated The Second Student Conference of the Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering on 12 May 2024.
Protocols and partnerships:
Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, SU President, said that Suez University has recently concluded several protocols and agreements with universities, companies, and bodies locally and internationally to achieve mutual benefit between the University and other parties in various fields of research, students, community, and others...
These include but are not limited to:
▪︎ Universities like Al-Azhar University - Al-Jalalah University - Al-Mansoura New University - Scientific Research Academy
▪︎ Companies like Canal Aqua cure - World Fish - Al Nasr Fertilizer and Chemical Industries - Caras Ceramic & Porcelain - Galaxy Petrochemicals.
Bodies and Institutions like Misr Al Khair Foundation - Hayat Karim Foundation - Maven International School - General Authority for Red Sea Ports - General Authority for Adult Education - Information and Decision-Making Center - Egyptian Federation for Badminton - Production Sufficiency and Vocational Training Department - Cairo Bank - Egyptian Post- Cooperation Protocol between Suez University and the New Suez City.
International Conventions:
At the international level, Hnijal referred to several conventions concluded by Suez University, including:
- Signing of two memorandums of understanding with the universities of Sultan Ahmed Shah and the Islamic University of Jawhar State of Sultan Ibrahim in Malaysia.
- Memorandum of understanding between Suez University and Shanghai Oceans University, China.
- SU President participated in the workshops of the Network for African-Austrian Relations; Represented by the Austrian Education Authority. He also visited the "Universität für Weiterbildung Krems", Austria, to promote the cooperation.
Student Success Stories
Regarding the focus on students' achievements and success stories, the SU President explained how the students of various SU Faculties had achieved outstanding achievements, not only at the local level but also at the global level. He stressed his support and encouragement for these students to achieve more success, which augurs well for this generation of promising young people. Hnijal noted some of the achievements of the university students, including:
- The students of the SU Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering won a prize at The American Institute of Chemical Engineers "AIChE" and received the International Excellence Award as one of the best student classes in the world, which is presented annually for the student class that achieves exceptional participation in the university and society.
- The students of the SU Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering won second place in the competition organized in Muscat, Oman under the entitled:
Society of Petroleum Engineering "SPE "Middle East and North Africa Region
- Students of the SU Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering won third place at the level of Middle East in the Cheme Jeopardy Chemical Engineering Competition at a conference in Saudi Arabia entitled: Mepec 2024 (Middle East Process Engineering Conference)
- Students of the SU Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering won second place in the Technical Debate Competition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the title: Mepec 2024 (Middle East Process Engineering Conference).
- SU Faculty of Engineering students won first place at the World Robotics Championship in Uradia, Romania.
- A student from SU Faculty of Computer and Information won second place in the Huawei IT competition in China.
- The SU Faculty of Computer and Information won second place in the competition "Egypt Summit for Community Investment Projects.
- IEEE team in SU Faculty of Engineering wins second and fifth place worldwide at the World Robot Olympiad in Greece, on 10 May 2024.
At the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. Ashraf Hnijal, SU President, emphasized that the achievements made throughout the previous period would not have occurred without the support of the Egyptian State under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Abdelfattah El-Sisi, the Egyptian President as well as the dedication of the SU Community to reach this high level. SU President reiterates his gratitude and thanks to all the university community, vice presidents, deans of faculties, teaching staff members, university employees and students. He wished success, progress, and prosperity for Suez University and all its community.