On Thursday, Cairo University's student union denounced the donation of LE20 million by Gaber Nassar, the university's president, to the Long Live Egypt fund that was established by the government to receive donations in support of the economy.
In a statement on Thursday, the union said that the money is public and was taken from the students, faculty members and employees, adding that it should not be disbursed unless it targeted their interests.
"It would have better if the money was allocated for scientific research, supporting inventors, reforming the fragile educational system and restoring the dormitories and hospitals that students benefit from," the statement added.
Nassar had said earlier this month that the university's budget deficit reached LE500 million.
The Long Live Egypt fund has been criticized for being a political ploy, used to stir up national sentiment and improve the image of those who donate to it. It is unclear, however, how effective establishing a fund and asking for donations can be to help rebuild Egypt's tattered economy.
Similar funds were started after 25 January revolution and 30 June revolution, calling on the public to give donate to fill Egypt's coiffers. It still remains unclear how much money has been collected into these accounts and how it is spent as the projects lack transparency.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
