Is a lecture or a lesson at the university an excuse for leaving congregational prayer? هل المحاضرات عذر لترك الجماعة

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most merciful.
What is apparent to me is that if it is not possible to coordinate the lectures such that they do not conflict with congregational prayer times then it is considered as an excuse for leaving congregational prayer. This is so because if a student leaves a lecture or a lesson he will be at a greater loss than leaving congregational prayer due to partaking a meal. Furthermore, leaving a lecture occupies and disturbs the heart more than it does when one leaves food.
In a hadith narrated by Muslim on the authority of Aisha who said The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said:
“No prayer can be (rightly said) when the food is there (before the worshipper).”
Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mecy on him) in his Sharh Swahih (5/46) explained the reason for this by saying: it is because it occupies the heart and no khushu’ (submissiveness) will be left...and this ruling applies on anything that has an effect of occupying the heart and removing khushu’.

All this is only applicable where there is enough time, but if the time is not enough such that the lecture prolongs till the time of a prayer finishes, then it is obligatory to pray before the time of prayer expires.
And Allah knows best.

Your brother,
Dr. Khalid al-Muslih
09 / 09 / 1424 AH