The Nihal European University in Sudan

The founding of the Nihal European University in Sudan as a university based on European standards is also linked to long-term goal of establishing an integrated educational system based on European standards. In the framework of this system, coming generations in Sudan would be able to benefit from an integrated education, extending from early childhood to the completion of a university degree, without having to spend longer periods abroad, a privilege only available to the wealthy upper classes. By the time of its completion, this project will include the following institutions:

1. A facility for early childhood education. Children can be admitted here from a very early age of approximately three years. In particular the final two years will take on the character of what is typically a preschool. One of the special foci will be on teaching basic English language so that the graduates of this preschool will be able to communicate in English, primarily in everyday situations.
2. A four-year long elementary school. In this institution instruction will be provided in a second foreign language from among the second languages offered in the university (such as Spanish, French, German or Italian). The age at which children will be admitted will be in accordance with Sudanese law.
3. An eight-year long high school (or Gymnasium). In this institution we will continue the acquisition of foreign languages begun in the previous levels, and a third foreign language will be taught. However this language does not have to be one of the second languages offered; it can be an ancient language or one of the local languages spoken. The proposed school system can thus extend upon the private schools which already exist in Omdurman and which can be integrated into our plan. By that point in time we will have already obtained authorisation to establish our schools.
4. A university based on European standards: The Nihal European University in Sudan (3 years for a BA plus 2 years for an MA).

At all levels of the educational system multilingualism will be a guiding principle. At the same time foreign languages should also take on a special role, assuming greater significance as a student advances, to the point where English can be used as the language of instruction at the university level. Nonetheless the Arabic language will also continue to be important. Students will thus be instructed in colloquial Arabic as much as possible prior to the university, and they should also always be exposed to technical terms in Arabic during their university training. In this way we will comply with the efforts of the Sudanese government, as well as the entire Arab world, to expose people to Arabic culture. This is a factor which should not be neglected in planning the new university, which will not attempt to suppress Arabic in favour of Western elements but instead will attempt to bring them into a fertile symbiosis. By the same token the non-Arabic African aspects of Sudanese cultural diversity should also be given appropriate attention so students will become more acquainted with cultural pluralism, helping this feature of the country achieve wider acceptance.

All levels of this educational system should be in accordance with the legal requirements of Sudan. On this basis the appropriate examinations will be given after completion of the eighth year of school. That way pupils will automatically have the certificate of completion for Sudanese schools. At the end of schooling they should have attained the level of education that Sudanese have after completing high school. At the same time one goal for the college-preparatory school (or Gymnasium) is that the final examinations taken and passed there should enable students to take up study directly in Europe, just as it is our goal that degrees granted by the Nihal European University in Sudan will be seen as the equivalent of those granted in Europe. Lastly a degree from the Nihal European University in Sudan should satisfy all the relevant Sudanese standards recognized nationally by Sudanese universities and employers.

Our educational institution should also be directed toward the globalized world of the 21^st century. In addition to an orientation toward Europe and Sudan, we will also be directed toward the Arab and African world and the surrounding region – as well as to the East Asian world, since China has to be included as one of our most important investment and trading partners.

The teaching to take place in the educational institutions outlined here should be delivered to a significant extent by faculty from European states.