The African higher education community is in mourning following the passing of two influential figures whose contributions have significantly shaped the academic landscape across the continent. The Association of African Universities (AAU) has expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Professor Mohamed El-Mahrasahwy, Vice-President of the AAU and former President of Al-Azhar University, and Professor Faiza Mohamed Osman Mahmoud, Coordinator of the AAU East Africa Regional Office at the University of Khartoum.
Professor El-Mahrasahwy passed away on March 27, 2025, in Cairo, Egypt, while Professor Mahmoud passed on March 26, 2025, also in Cairo. Both leaders leave behind legacies built on their unwavering commitment to academic excellence, institutional development, and regional cooperation, with their impact expected to continue influencing African higher education for years to come.
Professor Mohamed El-Mahrasahwy was widely recognized as a visionary leader and a staunch advocate for the advancement of African higher education. His leadership was instrumental in the expansion of the AAU's reach, particularly through the establishment of the AAU North Africa Regional Office (NARO), which fostered new partnerships and bolstered academic collaboration throughout the region. His strategic guidance and commitment to innovation and inclusivity helped propel the AAU’s mission of enhancing excellence in African universities.
Similarly, Professor Faiza Mohamed Osman Mahmoud was a driving force in transforming the academic sector in East Africa. As Coordinator of the AAU East Africa Regional Office, she focused on strengthening institutional partnerships, advancing research development, and enhancing capacity-building initiatives among universities in the region. Her dedication to fostering academic networks and promoting knowledge exchange played a pivotal role in elevating the standards of higher education in East Africa.
The loss of these two esteemed scholars is deeply felt within the AAU’s network, which includes over 450 member institutions across Africa. In their honor, the AAU Secretariat has announced that its flag will be flown at half-mast from April 1 to April 7, 2025, as a mark of respect.
"These two outstanding leaders have left an indelible mark on African higher education. Their dedication and vision continue to inspire the next generation of scholars, educators, and policymakers," stated the AAU Secretariat.
As the academic community grieves, it also reflects on the profound legacies left by Professor El-Mahrasahwy and Professor Mahmoud. Their tireless efforts to strengthen Africa's education sector, promote collaboration, and drive innovation will remain foundational to the continued advancement of academia on the continent.
In honoring their memory, the AAU reaffirms its commitment to the transformative ideals they championed—enhancing the quality of education, expanding research opportunities, and fostering cross-border academic cooperation.
Article by Jed Mwangi
Photo/Google
Comment