Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research inaugurates the first academic book fair, announces the full return of universities to their original campuses by the beginning of August
Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Ahmed Mudawi Musa, confirmed that a large percentage of higher education institutions have resumed operations at their original campuses, with only a few remaining. The procedures for their return will be completed by the end of July, in accordance with the directives of the Prime Minister and the decisions of the National Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research. He also announced the approval of the strategic plan for higher education and scientific research for the period 2026-2030, considering it a roadmap for the reconstruction and reform of the sector in the post-war phase.
This came during the opening today of the first academic book fair at Omdurman Ahlia University, in the presence of the university’s director, Professor Abdul-Hafiz Al-Tahir; the director of Al-Fashir University, Professor Faisal Al-Qasim; the Secretary-General of the North Darfur State Government, Mr. Mutasim Jamaa; the representative of the Governor of Khartoum State, Dr. Muhammad Hamdanu; the Director of the General Administration of University Security Major General Al-Bakri Abu Haraz; the Director of the Ministerial Executive Office, Dr. Murtada Ali Othman; the representative of the General Intelligence Service, Colonel Mustafa Omar; the President of the General Union of Sudanese Students, Mr. Adel Al-Arki; as well as a number of university directors, deans of faculties, faculty members, and students, with the participation of Sudanese and Egyptian publishing houses.
The minister described the exhibition as a message affirming the triumph of knowledge and the determination of higher education institutions to continue their mission despite the challenges left by the war. He noted that the strategic plan aims to build a resilient and competitive university system capable of contributing to Sudan’s development. This will be achieved through rehabilitating university infrastructure, developing lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and dormitories, enhancing technological infrastructure and communication networks, establishing quality standards and academic accreditation, implementing digital transformation programs, and developing e-management and blended learning systems.
He added that the plan also includes developing human resources by training and qualifying faculty members and researchers, attracting expatriate Sudanese talent, supporting postgraduate studies and scientific research, expanding student welfare services, addressing the effects of war, displacement, and academic disruption, diversifying higher education funding sources through partnerships with the public and private sectors and donor agencies, and strengthening the role of private and community universities and colleges in accommodating the growing number of students.
The Minister conveyed the greetings of the Prime Minister, Professor Kamil Idris, and his wishes for the success of the exhibition. He emphasized that its organization comes within the framework of supporting the return and stability of higher education institutions to their original campuses, by providing university libraries with the latest references and scientific publications.
He noted that he had personally witnessed the efforts of Omdurman Ahlia University to restore its academic facilities after they were vandalized during its occupation by the Rapid Support Forces militia. He also visited students from Al-Fashir University who are being hosted by Omdurman Ahlia University, praising this initiative, which he considered a national model of solidarity among higher education institutions. He added that it contributed to the continuation of studies and examinations for university students amidst the war.
The Minister expressed his confidence that Al-Fashir University would soon return to its original campus once the situation stabilizes and resume its academic and developmental role. He affirmed that the focus on science and scientific research represents a victory over ignorance and destruction, and that holding a book fair at this stage sends a clear message that war will not diminish the will of the Sudanese people to continue building and shaping the future through science and knowledge.
He added that the first academic book fair represents a knowledge platform that brings together the latest scientific and academic publications to serve students, researchers, and faculty members. It also includes a cultural, scientific, and community program featuring seminars, cultural festivals, creative evenings, and therapeutic days, thus enhancing the university’s role in serving the community.
He invited universities, faculty members, students, and all those interested to visit the fair and benefit from its contents, emphasizing that printed books retain their scientific value despite technological advancements, as they offer greater opportunities for focus and comprehension. He also stressed the need to continue developing and modernizing university libraries.
In closing, the Minister of Higher Education commended the efforts of the administration, faculty, students, and staff of Omdurman Ahlia University in preparing and organizing the event, wishing Sudan security, stability, and peace.
For his part, Professor Abdul-Hafiz Al-Tahir, Director of Omdurman Ahlia University, affirmed that the opening of the first academic book fair reflects the wealth of experience and accumulated knowledge possessed by Sudanese universities, which must be preserved and developed. He emphasized that the post-war era necessitates strengthening partnerships and memoranda of understanding between higher education institutions to support scientific research and the exchange of expertise, thereby contributing to the reconstruction of universities, serving students and researchers, and enhancing their role in building Sudan.
In turn, Professor Faisal Al-Qasim, Director of Al-Fashir University, expressed his delight at the occasion, praising the Minister of Higher Education’s continued attention to the affairs of universities and their staff, and his commitment to monitoring their conditions and supporting them under all circumstances.
He explained that Omdurman Ahlia University’s hosting of Al-Fashir University embodies the spirit of integration and solidarity among Sudanese higher education institutions and contributes to strengthening academic cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and experiences. He emphasized Al-Fashir University’s support for the decision to resume university activities from within their premises in Sudan, describing the decision as a strategic step that contributes to consolidating institutional stability and improving the quality of the educational process. He noted that the university administration worked to provide a headquarters that meets the minimum infrastructure requirements necessary for the continuation of academic and administrative activity.