The University of Seychelles has been formally inaugurated during a ceremony at the Anse Royale campus this afternoon, by the Chancellor of the University of Seychelles, President James Michel and the guest of honour, the Chancellor of the University of London, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal Princess Anne.
The academic procession was led by the university registrar Mr. Elvis Julie, and also included the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, Sir Graeme Davis, the President of the University of ‘Paris 1 – Panthéon Sorbonne Professor Jean-Claude Colliard, the President of the University of Reunion Professor Mohamed Rochdi, the President of Université Juridique Numérique Professor Jean-Claude Masclet and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth of Learning.
During his inauguration address, the Chancellor of the University of Seychelles, President James Michel said that he was proud that the University of Seychelles is ‘the University of the people.’
The President noted that 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 in 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,” said President Michel.
The President called the university ‘the engine of transformation’ for the creation of a knowledge-driven world, and he urged the students to study hard, and ensure the success of the university through their effort and commitment to learning.
President Michel also recalled that he had made a promise to the Seychellois people; to create a university and give the opportunity for higher education to all Seychellois.
“It is a promise that I made when I assumed the presidency – that I will steer our country to a new phase of development that will bring more progress. Development that will continue to defend the principles of social justice and equal opportunity for all our citizens. Development that will continue to create the conditions that will foster the development of our youth. Our university is here. Our students are here. Together, we are ready for the future,” said President Michel.
The President and the Princess Royal together unveiled a statue of the Greek philosopher Plato in front of the University, sculpted by the artist Tom Bowers.
“It reminds us that we add to our current knowledge, we don’t lose it… Plato’s knowledge and wisdom is still relevant today. We keep adding to that sum of knowledge and we need bigger establishments to help us use it. I am sure the University will do that for the Seychelles. I am delighted that the University of London has been part of the support,” said the Chancellor of the University of London, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal Princess Anne.
The Princess Royal congratulated the University of Seychelles on its inauguration, and reminded students and academic staff that ‘education is defined as training for life.’
During the ceremony, Dr Rolph Payet was formally invested as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Seychelles by the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, Sir Graeme Davis.
“Youth of Seychelles, you are the future of Seychelles. Our leaders of today have laid the foundations for peace and stability, our social and human development. We will now become the building blocks of the new modern Seychelles…. Our graduates will be equipped with the latest thinking, the ability to innovate, to do things differently, more efficiently and enhance our national wealth, “ said Vice-Chancellor of UniSey, Dr. Rolph Payet during his acceptance speech.
Following the inauguration ceremony, students of the university also expressed their excitement and pride in UniSey inauguration.
“It is an honour to be among the very first batch of student to attend UniSey, a really special moment. The visit of HRH Princess Anne is such a privilege for all the students and on behalf of the students, we thank her for doing them the honour to officially inaugurate the University of Seychelles with President James Michel,” said Magalie Ernesta, the President of the UniSey Students Union, and a second-year student in the Bsc Business Administration programme.
Source: The People
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