AS THE NEW academic year kicked off, universities were instructed to pay homage to the Egyptian flag, reports Reem Leila. Summer is over along with the Eid holidays. Time for university. More than 17 universities with 2.5 million students started the new academic year on 16 September amid tightened security. All of Egypt's 45,773 schools with more than 17 million students will also resume on 23 September as scheduled. The institutions began as parents voiced concern over an increase in tuition fees. Minister of Higher Education Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar instructed universities to start the academic year by saluting Egypt's flag. Only Alexandria and Mansoura abided, with the student unions of the two universities performing the salutation. The rest promised to salute the flag starting from the early morning of the second day. Student unions held a celebration on the first day during which members saluted the flag in the presence of university presidents. Security measures at university gates are being taken by Falcon Security Company which is responsible for safeguarding universities throughout the year. Security cameras have been placed at all faculties. There is also coordination between universities and security directorates in case rules are violated or if students stage protests. Abdel-Ghaffar said that like last year, freshmen in public or private universities must undergo blood tests during the first month of the academic year to determine whether Egyptian students have Virus C or are under the influence of drugs and whether foreign students have HIV. Heads of universities said that procedures to settle students in university dorms had also started, following required medical tests. According to Cairo University President Mohamed Othman Al-Khusht, a new plan has been drawn up for students to help them enhance life skills and practical and leadership abilities. “Cultural programmes will be reactivated to enrich their capabilities,” Al-Khusht added. President of Ain Shams University Abdel-Wahab Ezzat said new security measures will be applied this year. “The university will issue a new student ID card called Radio-Frequency Identification. The card will be impossible to forge. It will be given to students, employees and professors. Those who do not have the card will be denied entry into the university,” Ezzat said. The minister added that no political activities will be allowed. “We will not allow the presence of parties or party blocs on university premises. The ministry will hold several symposiums to increase political awareness among students.”
