File Photo: Egyptian-Japanese School, at 10th of Ramadan 2. Photo courtesy of Egyptian Presidency website.
Abdel-Latif’s remarks came during a plenary session of the senate discussing education policies.
The minister said the government had exceeded the target it set two years ago, as the initial plan was to establish 100 schools by 2030.
During the session, Abdel-Latif said that more than 17 Japanese experts are currently working in Egypt to supervise the schools permanently, with the number expected to rise to 50 before the start of the next academic year.
Before the 2025/2026 academic year, 69 schools were operational across the country.
This, he noted, is intended to ensure direct technical oversight alongside ongoing joint visits and committees with the Japanese side.
The minister also highlighted cooperation in teacher training, explaining that Egypt has agreed with Japan to implement a training program in partnership with Hiroshima University.
He noted that the programme prepares Egyptian teachers for modern Japanese education methods, adding that those who complete the one-year programme receive an accredited diploma jointly issued with Hiroshima University.
Abdel-Latif further added that the initiative began with 100 teachers in its first phase, with plans to gradually scale up to training around 5,000 teachers annually.
The minister emphasized that the Japanese education experience receives strong attention from the Egyptian state due to similarities between the two societies, including population density and certain educational conditions.
He noted that Japan maintains an average class size of around 40 students yet consistently achieves top global education rankings, adding that Japanese values such as discipline, identity preservation, and teamwork are qualities Egypt seeks to strengthen within its own education system.
Baccalaureate system
During the session, Abdel-Latif also announced that the upcoming academic year will see the first cohort implementing the new Egyptian Baccalaureate system.
He said about 95 percent of students have chosen to enroll in the system, reflecting strong confidence in its approach, which aims to reduce psychological pressure, develop skills, and provide multiple opportunities for students.
The minister added that the current general secondary education system (Thanaweya Amma) places heavy pressure on students and parents due to its “single-opportunity” model that determines a student’s entire future.
Meanwhile, the new Egyptian Baccalaureate system, he explained, represents a major reform in secondary education by offering multiple pathways and opportunities aligned with students’ abilities and interests.
Introduced in January 2025, the Egyptian Baccalaureate system is designed to replace the current general secondary education system, focusing on developing intellectual and critical thinking skills, while replacing rote memorization and indoctrination learning methods.
Short link: