The interviews are being held ahead of the candidates’ enrolment in a two-year academic programme.
The move is part of wider state efforts to improve institutional performance and address shortages of qualified personnel in key sectors, including religious discourse, through structured training and objective selection.
Presidential spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy said El-Sisi held an open discussion with members of the judging committee, stressing the importance of the academy’s academic and training programmes in preparing capable staff for the Ministry of Awqaf and other state institutions.
President El-Sisi highlighted the general shortage of qualified cadres and stressed that candidates are selected based on clear, objective criteria, with evaluations conducted fairly and without favouritism.
He also said the academy’s programmes are part of a long-term development approach, given their role in preparing personnel to support state development efforts. He added that the programmes are continuously reviewed and assessed to ensure they remain effective.
The discussion also covered the role of Al-Azhar and its institutes in promoting a sound understanding of Islam and encouraging Quran memorization. Participants stressed the need to update Al-Azhar’s curricula by adding topics related to national security and Egypt’s view of current events, strengthening scientific research, and linking it to productive sectors.
El-Shennawy said the talks emphasized the promotion of moderate, informed religious thought, the reinforcement of educational values, and the importance of the Arabic language for understanding religion, interpreting the Quran accurately, and accessing wider knowledge.
The dialogue also highlighted the need to counter extremism and atheism through reasoned debate, underlining the role of training programmes offered by both Al-Azhar and the Egyptian Military Academy.
El-Sisi called for clear pathways to qualify, train, and effectively use state cadres, stressing the role of education, mosques, churches, and the media in addressing social challenges and staying connected to public realities. He also urged greater attention to public health, particularly by encouraging young people to take part in sports.
The president later took part in the assessment interviews, speaking directly with the preachers and imams set to join the two-year programme and discussing a range of issues with them.
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