As part of Menoufia University’s commitment to developing students’ cultural and intellectual awareness and broadening their academic horizons, and under the patronage of Prof. Ahmed Farag El-Kased, President of the University, and the supervision of Prof. Nasser Abdel-Bary, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, the University organized a student visit to the 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair. The visit coincided with the opening of the fair and was organized through cooperation between the Leadership Preparation Unit at the General Department of Student Welfare and the Military Education Department at the University, under the supervision of Prof. Mohamed Jamil Shaheen and Lt. Col. Taha Matar.

Prof. Ahmed Farag El-Kased affirmed that such visits align with the University’s vision of human development and the comprehensive building of students’ personalities. He emphasized that cultural and intellectual activities are a fundamental pillar that complements the educational process within lecture halls. He noted that the Cairo International Book Fair is a prominent global cultural event, offering students access to the latest international and regional publications across scientific, literary, and cultural fields, thereby fostering critical thinking, enhancing knowledge awareness, and preparing students to engage positively with contemporary changes.

The University President added that human development lies at the heart of the University’s vision and educational mission, stressing that attention to cultural and intellectual activities is no less important than classroom learning; rather, it is a key complement to it. Such visits contribute to shaping well-rounded student personalities, developing critical thinking skills, and expanding scientific and cultural perspectives, enabling students to become active members of society who can confidently and consciously respond to the challenges of the modern era.

He also stressed the importance of participation by various faculties and academic units in the fair’s activities and of reviewing the latest specialized publications across disciplines, which contributes to advancing academic content and strengthens the University’s ability to keep pace with scientific and cultural developments at both regional and international levels.

For his part, Prof. Nasser Abdel-Bary stated that the University spares no effort in supporting cultural and scientific activities that refine students’ skills and raise their awareness. He emphasized that participation in global cultural events provides a genuine opportunity to open new intellectual horizons for students and strengthen their connection to knowledge and culture.

The visit included 40 male and female students from various faculties, accompanied by a supervisory delegation comprising Dr. Shaimaa Atta (Faculty of Specific Education), Lt. Col. Taha Matar, Director of the Military Education Department, Osama Daif, Director of the Leadership Preparation Unit, as well as student supervisors Asmaa El-Hady and Nadia El-Masry.

The program featured a tour of the Ministry of Defense Pavilion, where students met several leaders of the Armed Forces, foremost among them Major General Yasser Wahba, the Official Military Spokesperson. They received a detailed briefing on the pavilion’s components, the role of the Armed Forces, and their achievements and national services.

Students also viewed a number of documentary films highlighting the honorable history of the Armed Forces, which helped strengthen their sense of national pride and belonging.

The visit concluded with commemorative photographs and the distribution of symbolic gifts to students, followed by free tours of the fair’s pavilions to explore the latest publications and participate in various cultural activities.