Seychelles Nation - 22.09.2010
A new batch of 94 undergraduates have joined the University of Seychelles (UniSey) and were welcomed at their induction yesterday.
The ceremony, which coincided with the first anniversary of the university’s launch, took place at the School of Education.
It was attended by chief justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende; Education, Employment and Human Resources Minister Macsuzy Mondon; and youth and sports principal secretary Denis Rose.
Also present were the president and vice-chancellor of UniSey Dr Rolph Payet, members of the board of governors, attorney-general Ronny Govinden, senior government officials and other guests.
Management and staff of the School of Education, as well as lecturers and students were also there.
In his address Dr Payet said with a total of over 300 students UniSey is proud to welcome its 94 freshmen for this new academic year 2010-2011.
“When we embarked on this historic journey we had a shipful of only 53 students,” he said.
And today, one year later, the students speak of their challenges and hardships but also the good times and the determination they all wear – like proud smiles, he said.
He added that the faculty, students and supporters of UniSey should be proud to share in the vision of President James Michel to create a modern and forward-looking Seychelles.
Dr Payet also spoke about a series of new programmes which include both undergraduate and master’s degreees for part-time students.
And he mentioned new facilities such as UniSey’s investment in a scalable – expandable – computer network at a cost of R1.2 million, contracted to Victoria Computer Services.
The new information technology (IT) system will serve both campuses and is now connected by fibre-optic cable to the Cable & Wireless direct uplink for fast internet connection. Wi-fi hotspots are being installed on both campuses.
“Our main aim is to become the first institution in Seychelles to become fibre-optic ready, once Seychelles has its submarine fibre-optic connection,” said Dr Payet.
He added that one year on, the faculty and students are proud of their achievements, and their exam results are very promising.
Dr Payet said 10 degrees have been introduced for this new academic year, including geography, law, banking, economics and environment – and a surprising number of applicants were interested in the law course.
Since the launch of the university there has been a complete refurbishment of the front wing of the ex-Seychelles Polytechnic at Anse Royale.
“We have 21 lecture rooms ready for formal courses to start at the beginning of October,” said Dr Payet.
The total cost of renovation work on the building now housing UniSey – carried out by the China State Construction Company – is about R12 million, entirely funded by the government of Seychelles. And UniSey has invested around R1 million in books which are essential for the students and lecturers.
Dr Payet wished the students all the best in their new academic year, and the event was also marked by blessings by representatives of the catholic and anglican churches, as well as songs and reflections by members of the faculty.
The induction for freshers will go on until October 1; formal classes are expected to start on October 4 and will go on until the exams next May.
