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In an atmosphere filled with pride and accomplishment, Ain Shams University held a historic official celebration marking its attainment of institutional accreditation from the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education. The event coincided with the university’s Diamond Jubilee, celebrating 75 years since its establishment, making it the second public university nationwide to earn such accreditation, affirming its enduring commitment to the principles of quality and excellence in education, scientific research, and community service.

The celebration was attended by Dr. Ibrahim Saber, Governor of Cairo; Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University; Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Amani Osama Kamel, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research; Prof. Mohamed Abdel Karim Salehin, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Ain Shams National University; and Prof. Ragia Ali Taha, Vice President of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education for Al-Azhar Affairs.

Also present were former university presidents: Prof. Ahmed Zaki Badr, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of October 6 University; Prof. Hussein Issa, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Financial and Economic Policies; Prof. Abdel Wahab Ezzat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Private Universities; Prof. Mahmoud El-Metiny, former President of Ain Shams University; Prof. Khaled Hamdy, President of Ahram Canadian University; and Prof. Abdel Fattah Saud, former Vice President for Education and Student Affairs. The event also welcomed senior representatives of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education, including Prof. Asmaa Abdel Moneim Mostafa, Vice Chairperson for Pre-University Education, in addition to peer review team members, deans, vice deans, directors of specialized centers and units, faculty staff, and administrative staff.

In his address, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, expressed his deep pride in achieving institutional accreditation, describing it as the culmination of years of dedicated work and a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to quality standards across academic, administrative, research, and community engagement domains.

He emphasized that this milestone was the result of close collaboration and integration among all sectors of the university, leadership, faculty, researchers, administrators, and students—who collectively embodied a strong sense of belonging, responsibility, and teamwork. He noted that institutional collaboration and collective effort were key factors behind this historic achievement, which adds another chapter to the university’s distinguished record of excellence and leadership.

The President further explained that Ain Shams University continues to implement its strategic plans to develop its educational and research systems in line with the highest national and international accreditation standards, strengthening its position among Egyptian, regional, and global universities. He affirmed that the university seeks to promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement, expand outstanding academic programs, and pursue further national and international accreditations for its laboratories and curricula.

He also praised the pivotal role of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education in supporting Egyptian higher education institutions, expressing gratitude to the peer review teams for conducting the institutional review with high professionalism and objectivity.

Prof. Diaa highlighted that the university’s journey toward accreditation began in 2011, when its first faculty received institutional accreditation, followed by numerous academic programs. He expressed gratitude to former university presidents and vice presidents, as well as faculties that continued their efforts during the tenure of Prof. Mahmoud El-Meteiny, striving to complete the accreditation system and achieve comprehensive institutional excellence.

He also commended Ain Shams University Hospitals for being among the university’s greatest strengths—not only for their distinguished medical and research expertise but also for their remarkable humanitarian and community service role, treating thousands of patients daily and embodying the university’s mission of community service and sustainable development.

In conclusion, Prof. Diaa affirmed that achieving institutional accreditation during the university’s 75th anniversary reflects its legacy and ongoing leadership. He stressed that Ain Shams University will continue its steady march toward the future, reinforcing its role as a leading academic institution contributing to Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the development of creative, innovative citizens capable of serving their nation.

Speaking on behalf of Prof. Alaa Ashmawy, Chairperson of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education, Prof. Ragia Ali Mahmoud Taha, Vice President for Al-Azhar Education Affairs, expressed her delight at participating in this historic celebration. She praised the university’s exceptional achievement, attained on May 25, 2025, after years of persistent effort and development, making Ain Shams University the second public university in Egypt to earn institutional accreditation.

She emphasized that accreditation is not merely a certification but a culmination of a long journey of creativity and institutional excellence, reflecting a commitment to embedding a culture of quality in all aspects of university performance. She lauded Ain Shams University as a pioneering academic institution that has consistently upheld the values of education, learning, and innovation—producing scientists, leaders, and statesmen at both national and international levels.

Prof. Taha noted that this milestone aligns with Egypt’s vision to modernize its educational system in line with international standards by updating academic programs and adopting policies that promote digital transformation and entrepreneurship.

She added that maintaining excellence is more challenging than achieving it, noting that Ain Shams University continues to lead 89 accredited academic programs and six colleges that have received accreditation more than once, reflecting its ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.

In her concluding remarks, she congratulated the university’s leadership, vice presidents, and all working teams for this distinguished achievement, commending the University Quality Assurance Center for its vital role in supporting and preparing faculties for accreditation. She reaffirmed that the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education will remain a key supporter of all educational institutions in Egypt, encouraging healthy competition among universities toward excellence and leadership.

Former Vice President of the National Authority, Prof. Azza Mounir Al-Agha, speaking on behalf of the quality review team, expressed her happiness at the university’s accreditation, which coincides with its 75th anniversary, reflecting both its legacy and its forward-looking approach to development and quality. She outlined the university’s journey, which began in 2024 with its formal submission of self-study to the Authority, followed by a detailed evaluation and a five-day field visit in April 2025 covering 14 of the university’s 21 faculties. The review revealed exceptional organization and coordination among all university teams.

In July 2025, the Authority officially granted Ain Shams University institutional accreditation after it successfully met all ten main accreditation criteria.

Former University President Prof. Mahmoud El-Meteiny also expressed his pride in witnessing this historic day, describing the accreditation as the culmination of years of collective planning and hard work by all university members. He extended his sincere congratulations to everyone involved, commending the event’s venue, the newly constructed Faculty of Law Hall, designed according to modern architectural standards as a symbol of renewal within the university.

He thanked the Faculty of Engineering and the Engineering Consulting Office for their efforts in implementing development projects across the campus and hospitals, calling their work an exemplary model of institutional collaboration.

Prof. El-Metiny also extended special thanks to the National Authority team for their trust and support, particularly to Prof. Safinaz El-Habashy for her leadership in the accreditation process, and to former Authority Chairperson Prof. Yohansen Eid and former University Quality Assurance Center Director Prof. Rasha Khafagy for their devoted efforts in ensuring the success of this remarkable achievement.

In her remarks, Prof. Safinaz El-Habashy, Head of the National Accreditation Executive Team, expressed deep appreciation to the National Authority, its Board of Directors, the peer review team, and guests from governmental and civil society institutions. She emphasized that this milestone reflects years of organized teamwork and dedication.

She described the accreditation journey as exceptional, involving comprehensive self-study, evidence documentation, and external evaluation conducted with transparency and pride in the university’s accomplishments. She highlighted that one of the key success factors was promoting a campus-wide culture of quality through workshops, awareness meetings, and regular reviews, emphasizing that “quality is not paperwork, it is a daily practice and an institutional mindset.”

Prof. Miriam Ayad, Director of the University Quality Assurance Unit, affirmed that the university’s accreditation marks the culmination of more than two decades of continuous effort since the establishment of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Center in 2004. The center played a crucial role in shifting the concept of quality from bureaucratic compliance to an integrated system aimed at academic and administrative excellence.

She noted that the center developed the university’s strategic and research plans and provided technical support to faculties seeking accreditation. Currently, the university includes six institutionally accredited faculties, 61 accredited programs, 29 conditionally accredited programs, and 13 internationally accredited programs.

The event also featured a video presentation titled “Ain Shams University: A Legacy of Leadership and Giving,” along with a presentation by Prof. Sherweit El-Ahmady, Executive Director of International Relations and Academic Collaboration, and Prof. Ahmed El-Banna, Director of International Ranking, showcasing the university’s key achievements and global partnerships.

The celebration concluded with the honoring of the University President, vice presidents, the Board of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education, the peer review team, Prof. Safinaz El-Habashy (Head of the Accreditation Team), Prof. Miriam Ayad (Director of the Quality Assurance Center), Prof. Rasha Khafagy (former Director of the Quality Unit), and the heads of the Authority’s accreditation standards. Official commemorative photos were then taken of all university faculty staff and administrative members.