Minister of Higher Education: State Support for Student Activities and Youth Empowerment Through New Partnerships

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Ahmed Mudawi Musa, affirmed that the Student Dignity Festival was held in support of the Armed Forces and the supporting forces as they wage the battle for dignity. He noted that the participation of students from across Sudan’s various states truly embodies solidarity and strengthens the social fabric.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the sports events at Kassala Stadium, the Minister stated that the National Students Welfare Fund has consistently prioritized students, working tirelessly to nurture young talent and provide them with a conducive environment. He added that a Sudan possessing such young potential can never be defeated.

He added that the closing ceremony of the sports events witnessed broad official and public participation, and announced a forthcoming joint program between the Ministry of Higher Education, the National Students Welfare Fund, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to develop youth and sports activities in universities.

For his part, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ahmed Adam Ahmed, expressed his delight at the level of performance displayed by the students during the competitions, emphasizing that attention to academic pursuits does not conflict with, but rather complements, interest in sports and cultural activities.

He commended the efforts of the National Students Welfare Fund in supporting student activities, calling for expanded partnerships with sports federations to capitalize on the talents that have emerged from the Fund’s competitions. He stated that the post-war era necessitates empowering youth and providing them with opportunities to lead the future.

He added that the festival sent a clear message confirming the return of sports activity to Sudan, noting the importance of coordination between sports institutions and the Fund to develop students’ capabilities and prepare them for international competitions.

In turn, the Secretary-General of the National Students Welfare Fund, Dr. Ahmed Hamza Al-Amin, affirmed that the Student Dignity Festival was held in support of the armed forces and in rejection of racism and regionalism, explaining that the conclusion of the sports event in Kassala marked the culmination of all aspects of the festival. He noted that approximately 1,500 male and female students participated in the sports competitions, with 266 qualifying for the final stage in Kassala. He pointed out that the stabilization of the educational process after overcoming the ordeal of war has allowed for a strong return to extracurricular activities under the slogan “Rebuilding the Soul to Build Sudan.”

He stated that a number of students are participating in the battle for dignity within the ranks of the armed forces and supporting forces, including martyrs and wounded. He affirmed that the Fund has already begun rebuilding dormitories damaged by the war, in addition to rehabilitating the infrastructure of student activities in various states of Sudan.

He commended the Kassala State government and the Governor, Major General (Rtd.) Al-Sadiq Muhammad Al-Azraq, wishing him a speedy recovery. He also praised the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the participants by the citizens of the state.

In the same context, the representative of the Kassala State government, Minister of Education and Guidance, Othman Omar Othman, welcomed the delegations participating in the closing ceremony of the sports event, headed by the Minister of Higher Education, the Minister of Youth and Sports, and the Secretary-General of the National Fund for Students Welfare. He emphasized that Kassala’s hosting of the closing ceremony of the sports tournament is a source of pride for the people of the state, praising the efforts of the National Students Welfare Fund and its role in providing care, support, and education to Sudanese students.

He noted that the sports tournament reflected the unity of the Sudanese people and their support for the armed forces, stressing that the participating students represent the leaders of the future, and that the closing ceremony was a dignified event reflecting the magnitude of the effort exerted.

Kassala Stadium witnessed the closing parade of the sports tournament, with the participation of state teams, sports federations, popular teams, and the police band. Members of the Higher Committee for the Student Dignity Festival and members of the state security committee were in attendance, along with the director of Kassala University, the president of the General Union of Sudanese Students, Adel Arki, and a number of official and sports leaders.

The competitions resulted in Al-Gedarif winning the men’s football cup, while Al-Gedarif also won the women’s football cup. Al-Gedarif won the men’s volleyball cup, while Blue Nile University won the women’s volleyball cup. In handball, Al-Gedarif won the boys’ championship cup, and also the girls’ handball cup. Kassala won the boys’ tennis cup, and Blue Nile won the girls’ tennis cup.

In chess, the Red Sea won the boys’ championship cup, while the Northern State won the girls’ chess cup. The Northern State Park also won the boys’ billiards championship, and the Red Sea won the girls’ billiards championship.