Egypt has launched a major initiative in Nigeria to attract international students and expand its higher education exports, with a week-long promotional campaign running from August 24 to 30, 2026.

Africa's second-largest economy is targeting students across three major Nigerian cities in a coordinated push overseen by Egypt's ministries of investment and higher education.

The campaign, operating under the slogan "Study in Egypt," began on the Lagos Mainland on August 26, with events scheduled for Abuja on August 28 and Kano on August 29.

A delegation of representatives from ten Egyptian universities is participating in the promotional tour, including Cairo University, Alexandria University, Al-Azhar University, Ain Shams University, Capital University, Luxor University, Galala University, Beni Suef National University, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, and Salam University.

The initiative is coordinated by multiple governmental bodies, including the Egyptian General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences, the Supreme Council of Universities, and the Central Administration for International Students Affairs.

Egyptian officials view higher education as a vital economic asset and a diplomatic tool on the African continent, with international students contributing directly to the domestic economy while strengthening soft power ties.

Dr. Mohamed Farid, Egypt's Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, said the ministry aims to open new markets for Egyptian educational services and increase the number of international students studying in the country.

"The Minister explained that the Ministry aims, through missions and promotional events, to open new markets for Egyptian educational services, increase the number of international students studying in Egypt, and enhance the competitiveness of the Egyptian education sector," Farid said. "This will contribute to increasing Egyptian exports of services, in addition to building new partnerships with educational institutions and bodies in the targeted markets."

Farid said direct engagement with students in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano would help raise awareness of Egyptian educational opportunities while identifying the specific needs of the Nigerian market.

"Direct access to students and educational institutions in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano allows for raising awareness of the educational opportunities offered by Egyptian universities and identifying the needs of the Nigerian market," Farid stated. "This supports efforts to increase the number of Nigerian students studying in Egypt and strengthen the presence of Egyptian educational services in African markets."

Students attending the events have the opportunity to explore specific academic programs, learn about admission requirements, and understand tuition fees. University representatives are conducting face-to-face consultations and preliminary reviews of student qualifications.

Dr. Abdel Aziz Qansouh, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, described the higher education system as a cornerstone of Egypt's regional influence.

"The Minister pointed out that Egypt welcomes students from over 120 nationalities, offering them modern academic programs and specializations, a distinguished faculty of professors and experts, diverse scientific schools across various disciplines, and the 'Study in Egypt' platform, which allows international students to apply to study at Egyptian universities," Qansouh said.

Qansouh noted that Egypt's tourism, cultural, and historical assets enhance the concept of educational tourism, providing international students with a comprehensive experience combining education and culture.

"Egypt also possesses tourism, cultural, and historical assets that enhance the concept of educational tourism, providing international students with a comprehensive experience combining education and culture," the minister added.

Alaa El-Baily, chairman of the Egyptian General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences, said the mission formed part of broader efforts to expand the authority's role in promoting Egyptian services and opening new markets.

Egypt currently hosts students from over 120 countries, with officials viewing the Nigerian market as a priority for expansion. The current number of Nigerian students studying in Egypt and specific numerical targets for the campaign have not been disclosed.