This morning, Prof. Dr. Ashraf Heniegal, President of Suez University, inaugurated the activities of the First Conference for Students of the Faculty of Education and Young Researchers, held under the title “Education in the Age of Digital Technology: Opportunities and Challenges.” The event was attended by university vice presidents, Dr. Sayed Abdo, a member of the Senate and Chairman of the Board of Suez Hills Schools, college deans, Prof. Dr. Ehab Shehata, Dean of the Faculty of Education, faculty members, administrative staff, and students.
To mark the official opening of the conference, Prof. Dr. Heniegal delivered a speech in which he affirmed his belief that the Faculty of Education is a factory for building minds and torchbearers of knowledge. He expressed his happiness at being among such a distinguished group of students and faculty members in this exceptional event, which reflects a shared vision for enhancing academic thought and developing the educational process.
He emphasized that today's gathering is not merely an academic meeting, but a manifestation of the spirit of collaboration and joint action—where minds converge, ideas are exchanged, and the future of education is shaped through the efforts and creativity of students and professors alike.
The University President also reiterated his deep belief that education is the cornerstone of national progress and the best path toward achieving sustainable development and building a better future.
He praised the support provided by His Excellency Governor Major General (Ret.) Tarek El-Shazly of Suez in various fields related to the university, ensuring that it is equipped to fulfill its vital role in spreading knowledge, promoting culture, and serving society.
He highlighted the university’s significant ongoing developments, despite its relative youth. He noted that the university hospital is nearing its opening and that Suez National University represents a new generation of universities designed to offer advanced academic services that align with current labor market demands. This evolution reflects the changing landscape of job opportunities, which necessitates the development of specialized disciplines to meet these new challenges.
Prof. Dr. Heniegal urged students to focus on self-development and capacity-building by engaging with the labor market and acquiring new skills and technical knowledge that would elevate their competencies to higher levels of excellence.
He also clarified the difference between the concepts of education and learning, noting that education is an organized process of knowledge transmission within institutions, while learning is a continuous personal effort to acquire knowledge and skills from diverse sources. He called for greater attention to the concept of lifelong learning, which is characterized by self-improvement, innovation, adaptability to change, and increased professional success—making it a key to thriving in a rapidly evolving world.
He encouraged all faculty members to focus on improving the quality of scientific research and publishing in high-impact international journals. He also stressed the importance of the conference concluding with actionable recommendations that could be implemented in public and private schools.
Prof. Dr. Heniegal reaffirmed his conviction that the role of the Faculty of Education extends beyond preparing teachers. It includes curriculum development, innovating new teaching methods, and applying the latest findings in educational research to ensure that education keeps pace with modern needs.
He further emphasized that this student conference is not just an academic event, but a rich experience and an exceptional opportunity to enhance students’ cognitive abilities and refine their social and intellectual skills.
In conclusion, he urged students not to be swayed by false narratives aimed at distorting the image of Egypt and its solid moral values, emphasizing the importance of focusing on acquiring knowledge as the foundation of success.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Ehab Shehata, Dean of the Faculty of Education, delivered a welcoming speech to the university president and attendees. He emphasized that faculties of education are the key to change and the compass of development, stating: “If we want a prosperous future, let it begin here—from its classrooms and lecture halls, from the thoughts of its professors and students.”
Dr. Shehata described the conference as a unique scientific event and a pivotal academic step for the Faculty of Education. He said it serves as an intellectual and educational platform to showcase the talents of students and researchers and enables them to actively contribute to building a knowledge-based society founded on the triad of creativity, critical thinking, and scientific research.
He further emphasized that faculties of education are no longer isolated from the digital technological revolution. It is now imperative to prepare teachers capable of integrating technology and artificial intelligence applications into education in ways that enrich learning and enhance learners’ skills.
Dr. Sayed Abdo, Senate member and Chairman of Suez Hills Schools, also addressed the audience. He extended greetings to the University President and emphasized that what is happening today on the land of heroic Suez and at Suez University is a scientific, intellectual, and educational milestone. It aims to motivate students to actively participate in building a knowledge society grounded in science, research, innovation, and the benefits of the digital age.
Dr. Abdo highlighted that one of the primary responsibilities of educational institutions in all their forms is to prepare student-teachers who can effectively utilize modern technologies and their applications to advance the educational process.
He also stressed the importance of true partnerships in shaping the members of society through genuine collaboration and effective twinning between pre-university and university education institutions. This is essential to achieving integration and cohesion in preparing a well-rounded student, citizen, and individual who can professionally engage with the technologies of the present age.
Following the speeches, the University President reviewed several research posters prepared by the Faculty’s students. These posters addressed the opportunities and challenges associated with education in the digital age. He and the conference guests also toured an art exhibition organized by students of the Art Education Department, which was met with admiration and appreciation.
On the sidelines of the conference, three departments held exhibitions featuring students’ graduation projects:
Department of Art Education
Department of Child Education
Department of Special Education
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