GITEGA March 5th (ABP) – The second Deputy President of the Republic of Burundi, Dr. Joseph Butore, proceeded on Thursday March 1st in Gitega (center) to the solemn opening of the 2017-2018 academic year of the University of Burundi (UB), under the theme “University of Burundi for optimal achievement of the objectives of sustainable development through training and research adapted to current and emerging challenges of youth employability and national development”.
In his occasional speech, Dr. Butore welcomed the choice of theme, saying that it places special emphasis on the success of the Sustainable Development Goals, a chapter to which the Burundi Government attaches great importance.
In addition, Mr. Butore said he is aware that UB’s 2nd and 3rd cycle apprentices attract foreigners, arguing that this reinforces its international character. Thus, he expressed the wish to choose and strengthen training sectors that meet the aspirations of society without forgetting the regional dimensions.
He encouraged the diversification of relations between UB and other partners
to face the challenges while promising government support. To the other university institutions, Mr. Butore invited to follow the footsteps of the UB and to recharge their batteries but, under the watchful eye of the National Commission of Higher Education which must ensure compliance with standards of interuniversity cooperation in administrative and academic governance, he said.
The Minister of higher education, Ms. Janvière Ndirahisha, recommended that the heads of higher education institutions engage in a mutually beneficial partnership. She also expressed the wish to establish a framework of exchange between academic leaders on common challenges and to consider appropriate solutions to defend Burundi’s higher education space, which must be competitive with the outside world.
As for the UB Rector and the student representative, their communications focused substantially on UB’s challenges and recommendations to the government to deal with them.
At the same occasion, Dr. Butore gave certificates of merit to some members of UB staff and diplomas to the laureates. The ceremonies began with an inaugural lecture entitled “African Universities and Job Creation for Youth”, presented jointly by Professors Luc Rukingama and Léonidas Ndayizeye.
The ceremonies took place at the Gitega Veterinary Center campus in Gitega province and commune, and were enhanced by the presence of several personalities including parliamentarians, members of the government, Executives at the vice Presidency, lecturers from universities and students.
