December 15, 2025
Professor Ahmed El-Minshawy, President of Assiut University and Supervisor of Assiut International Technological University, inaugurated today, Monday, December 15, the youth awareness campaign on the dangers of drug abuse. The campaign, organized by the Center for Monitoring and Studying Community Issues under the Community Service and Environmental Development Sector, is held in cooperation with Assiut International Technological University under the slogan: “Say No to Drugs… An Aware Generation… A Safe Future.”
The campaign is conducted under the supervision of Professor Mohamed Adawy, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, Professor Ahmed Saad, Dean of the German Technological College in Assiut, and Dr. Amr Osman, Director of the National Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction. Organizational support is provided by Professor Ali Kamal Ma’bad, Director of the Center for Monitoring and Studying Community Issues, and Dr. Asmaa Gaber Mehran, Deputy Director of the Center.
The inauguration was attended by Dr. Ibrahim Askar, Director of Preventive Programs at the National Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction, Professor Rehab El-Dakhly, Media Advisor to the President of Assiut University, Professor Ahmed Hussein Mansour, Preacher and Member of the Fatwa Committee in Assiut, and Father Philobatir Michel, Assiut Diocese, alongside faculty members and students of the International Technological University, and volunteers from the National Fund.
In his opening remarks, Professor El-Minshawy expressed his pleasure in launching the campaign, emphasizing its critical message at a sensitive time. He noted that the campaign aims to raise awareness among youth and strengthen their sense of responsibility toward themselves and their country, helping to protect them from the dangers of addiction.
Professor El-Minshawy added that the campaign seeks to provide scientific, practical, and relatable awareness about the risks of drug use, including newly emerging substances, while offering a platform for open dialogue and responsible discussion.
Addressing the students of the International Technological University, Professor El-Minshawy highlighted their role as a model for modern, skill-based higher education, closely linked to national development and the needs of the labor market. He stressed that the state, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, relies on these graduates as skilled professionals capable of supporting the national economy and contributing to the building of the “New Republic.”
He emphasized that safeguarding students’ physical and mental health and protecting their minds from risks—primarily drug addiction—is a national responsibility. He explained that drugs not only harm the body but also impair focus, diminish creativity, and jeopardize future careers, particularly in technology-driven fields that require full awareness, precision, and discipline.
Professor El-Minshawy affirmed that the University’s role extends beyond academic education to include developing well-rounded individuals who can make sound decisions, reject negative behaviors, and face challenges with knowledge, discipline, and action. He concluded by urging students to be role models, protect their minds and future, and adopt the campaign’s message:
“Say No to Drugs… Yes to Life, Yes to Knowledge, Yes to a Future that Befits You and Egypt.”
Professor Mohamed Adawy highlighted that combating drugs is a matter of national security, directly impacting the country’s development. He stressed that demand-reduction policies are among the most effective tools in preventing drug abuse and noted that peer influence often serves as the gateway to addiction, making awareness-raising essential for youth protection.
He praised the collaboration with the National Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction, headed by Dr. Amr Osman and Dr. Ibrahim Askar, emphasizing that combining efforts across institutions is crucial to protect youth. He underscored that adherence to religious teachings and ethical values is a key pillar in preventing drug abuse and building an aware generation capable of protecting itself and contributing to national development.
Professor Ahmed Saad extended his gratitude to Professor El-Minshawy for supporting the campaign, emphasizing its role in enhancing youth awareness about addiction and the University’s commitment to its community responsibilities.
Professor Ali Kamal Ma’bad noted that the campaign represents a serious step toward sustainable youth awareness and community protection, aiming to equip participants with comprehensive knowledge of the risks associated with drug use, particularly synthetic drugs such as GHB, and their social, health, and economic impacts. The campaign also clarifies religious perspectives on drug use.
The National Fund actively supports the campaign through diverse awareness activities, providing accurate knowledge to youth and offering treatment and rehabilitation services to those in need, thereby strengthening prevention and fostering a sustainable culture of awareness.
The inauguration program included two main sessions:
“Risks of Youth Use of Synthetic Drugs (GHB) and Key Health, Economic, and Social Impacts” – presented by Dr. Laila Atef Ali, Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy.
“Religious Perspectives on Drug Use” – a moderated open discussion by Professor Ahmed Hussein Mansour, Preacher and Fatwa Committee Member in Assiut, and Father Philobatir Michel, Assiut Diocese.
