The Face of Truth: Thank You, Humida… Will Dahab Follow Suit?
Ibrahim Shiglawi
I first met Professor Mamoun Humida in 2009 when we were a group of young journalists representing the media unit of the Dams Implementation Unit, touring Sudanese higher education institutions to introduce them to the unit’s projects, primarily the Merowe Dam project. Our program was designed to last one or two days per university, but things took a different turn when we visited the University of Medical Sciences and Technology.
Professor Humida summoned us, reviewed our program, and suggested expanding it to include the university’s faculty and administration. He also insisted on organizing a field visit to the project for all university students, believing that this was the best way to familiarize them with development projects. We adhered to our agreement, and later, the unit’s senior management adopted this model and implemented it across multiple universities and public and private institutions due to its tangible success.
Thus, I was not surprised when I recently read the announcement by the University of Medical Sciences and Technology, led by Professor Mamoun Humida, offering full scholarships to students who mobilized alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces in the Battle of Dignity. This initiative clearly reflects the university’s awareness of its national and social responsibilities, acknowledging the role that youth play in defending the sovereignty of the nation.
The university went even further by pledging to employ these students upon graduation, demonstrating a profound understanding of the role educational institutions play in rebuilding society by integrating young cadres into the workforce. In the current circumstances, this decision is a strategic step toward social and economic stability, fostering national solidarity across different segments of society.
Similarly, Afuq College of Science and Technology announced the exemption of mobilized students from tuition fees, scholarships for the children of martyrs, and reserved positions for graduates in academic and administrative roles. These initiatives confirm that education is no longer merely a means of acquiring knowledge but has become a tool for strengthening national loyalty and reshaping societal consciousness in light of Sudan’s challenges.
These policies redefine the role of universities, expanding their function beyond graduating students to actively contributing to state-building. Viewing education as a means of fostering resilience and sacrifice has become imperative given the country’s exceptional circumstances.
The question that arises here is: Will the rest of Sudan’s universities follow suit, or will these steps remain isolated initiatives? In my view, these policies should be generalized across all higher education institutions. Doing so would help universities function as national institutions that reinforce social cohesion and bolster the country’s resilience against internal and external challenges.
Sudan is undergoing a historic phase that necessitates the solidarity of all sectors, with education at the forefront of national reconstruction efforts. Honoring mobilized students and granting them educational and professional opportunities demonstrates a deep national awareness of the importance of investing in the Sudanese people. This underscores the need for clear educational policies that restore universities to their pioneering role in building national consciousness and instilling values of belonging and responsibility.
Looking at the experiences of countries that have faced crises and wars, we see that education played a pivotal role in rebuilding societies. For example, in Algeria, following independence from France in 1962, education was a cornerstone of national reconstruction. Despite immense political and economic challenges, the government launched literacy campaigns and ensured education for all, leading to a significant social and economic transformation, with liberation leaders playing a key role in spearheading these initiatives.
In Rwanda, after the 1994 genocide, education was an integral part of the national reconciliation strategy. The government provided scholarships for war-affected youth and promoted technical and vocational education to compensate for human losses, equipping citizens with the skills necessary to rebuild society and the national economy.
Despite differences in context, these experiences confirm that education is one of the most crucial tools for state reconstruction and fostering unity and peace after wars and crises.
The transformations taking place in Sudanese universities should mark the beginning of a new phase of reevaluating educational policies. Universities are now required to offer scholarships and special support to students who have sacrificed for their homeland. This embodies a broader vision of education’s role in instilling values of loyalty and belonging while ensuring a stable and secure learning environment that reflects a genuine commitment to the country’s future after years of war.
Today, as we observe through the #Face_of_Truth, we anticipate an urgent step from the veteran Professor Mohammed Hassan Dahab, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, to adopt policies that support these initiatives and ensure their implementation across all Sudanese universities. This will reinforce national loyalty and the defense of the homeland against all threats and challenges.
May you all remain well and in good health.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Shglawi55@gmail.com