Seychelles shares people’s university vision with London

The Chancellor of the University of London – Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal – and the Chancellor of the University of Seychelles – President James Michel – yesterday referred to the identical goals of the two universities.

This was after they officially opened the University of Seychelles (UniSey) in a ceremony at its Anse Royale campus.

The event started with the unveiling of a statue of Plato by both Princess Anne and President Michel, after which she said: “It is a great pleasure to be able to join you in celebrating your new university and I’m delighted that the University of London has been part of the support that was needed.

“The University of London was founded to open the door to academia for a much wider audience, and in following in those footsteps I’m sure this university will be just as popular and important for Seychelles in the future.”

In his speech, President Michel quoted the 19th century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who once said: “Upon the education of the people of this country, the fate of this country depends.”

Mr Michel said Mr Disraeli’s wise words are as valid now as they were then.

“I could not describe the future of my country better than by pointing to this university,” he said.

“It is our university – and it is our future. Upon the education of the people of this country, the fate of this country depends.

“The University of Seychelles is the university of the people. The University of London had the same ambition when it opened its doors 150 years ago. Their vision was to allow anyone with the required abilities to be able to achieve university training, irrespective of background or ability to pay.

“The University of Seychelles is designed with a similar philosophy, and will be the training ground for students from all walks of life, from whatever background and age.

“This is my dream for all Seychellois. We are a country which abounds with opportunities and we must take those opportunities seriously.”

Mr Michel said UniSey’s future depends on each and every Seychellois, whether they are in government, the private sector or in civil society.

“In the years to come, the University of Seychelles will touch you, your family, your organisation or your company,” he added.
 
He thanked all the private companies that are sponsoring scholarships for the students, saying this shows their support for and confidence in this important development for Seychelles.

“We grew from 54 students last year to over 300 students this year, and by 2012 the University of Seychelles will have more than 500 students studying here,” he said.

“In 10 years from now, every family will have at least one graduate. This will have a significant impact on the future prosperity of this country. More professionals implies that we can continue to innovate and adapt much faster to changing circumstances around the world.

“Seychelles will require more professionals, and through the promotion of our knowledge-based economy, we will have more jobs for all of our graduates. We will also create new job opportunities and business incubators for our graduates.”

A procession of the academic community followed, and then the former vice-chancellor of the University of London, Sir Graeme Davis, invested Dr Rolph Payet as the vice-chancellor of UniSey, while the National Choir sang its new anthem.

There was also a parade of the university’s graduation gowns.

Forrás: http://www.nation.sc/