By Amira Elhamy
King Fuad I University, this was the original name of one of the most significant educational institution in Egypt, Cairo University.
Cairo University is Egypt’s premier public university. It was founded on 21 December 1908. It was originally founded by a committee of private citizens with royal patronage. At that time Egyptian intellectuals and public figures were calling for the establishment of a modern professional education to be presented to Egyptians; however the establishment of the Egyptian University, this is originally its first name before being renamed King Fuad I, faced many problems due the British occupation at that time and the lack of professional faculty members.
The university became a state institution under King Fuad I in 1925. In 1940, four years following his death, the University was renamed King Fuad I University in his honour. It was renamed a second time after 1952 Egyptian revolution.
The University currently enrolls approximately 155,000 students in 22 faculties. The Medical School, also known as (Kasr, Qasr-el-‘Ayni), was one of the first medical schools in Africa and the Middle East. Its first building was donated by Alaini Pasha. It has since undergone extensive expansion.
Remarkable Egyptian figures graduated from Cairo University. Adly Mansour, Egypt’s ex-president, Amr Moussa, Ex Secretary General of the Arab Leaugue, Magdi Yaccoub, Professor of Cardiothoracic at Imperial College in London, Naguib Maffouz, Egyptian Nobel Prize winner and many others.
Cairo University is ranked in the top of universities in Egypt and Africa; in fact, it is one of the 50 largest institutions of higher education in the world.
Dr. Nasser explains to MEO that education is one most important corners stones that can help having a strong future in Egypt. Education is also one of the major elements which aid humanity and make it able to fight ignorance and extremism.
The University Council reviewed preparations for the renewal of The Cairo University Clock, which included cleaning out the surrounding area, polishing its bells bringing back their shinning colors, and establishing a museum for it. The Council also examined a study on a project by the Faculty of Engineering to establish a network of lights that links the university’s clock to other ones; like Al-Kasr al-Ainy Clock. The President of Cairo University is Dr. Gabber Nassar acknowledges being part of the rich academic life that Cairo University enjoys.