Pan African University Commissions First Permanent Rector in Yaounde Ceremony

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October 30, 2023

Professor Jean Koulidiati, Rector of the Pan African University, was officially commissioned into his new functions on 27 October 2023 in Yaounde, Cameroon, headquarters of the Rectorate of the Pan African University.

The investiture ceremony of the PAU Rector was co-chaired by H.E. Professor Mohammed Belhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, and H.E. Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon’s Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Prof. Mohammed Belhocine described this ceremony as a milestone as it marked the introduction of the first ever Rector of the PAU, after several years of interim office assumed by high-profile university scholars at this position.

He recalled that the PAU, as the AU flagship academic institution, aspires to become a centre of excellence in research and postgraduate education and works towards the injection of high-level human capital for Africa’s growth.

Commissioner Belhocine believed that Prof. Koulidiati's extensive experience in academia, research and management made him well-suited to lead the Pan African University. He also outlined key challenges awaiting the incoming Rector, including aligning with the commitment of AU Heads of State and Government to offer to the African youth a conducive learning and multicultural environment where they will uphold African values of peace, unity and integration.

On behalf of H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, AUC Chairperson, H.E. Professor Mohammed Belhocine equally expressed the gratitude of the African Union to the Government of Cameroon for hosting the investiture ceremony of the PAU Rector and for its constant support in the operationalization and consolidation of the PAU governance structures.

In the same vein, Cameroon’s Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, H.E. Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo, while expressing his gratitude for his country hosting the investiture ceremony, indicated that it attests to the excellent relations between Cameroon and the African Union. He mentioned all measures taken by the Government of Cameroon to help the PAU fulfill its missions.

Welcoming the congratulating words and messages of encouragements, the Rector of the Pan African Unversity, Prof. Jean Koulidiati, pledged to uphold PAU's mission of nurturing new generations of African leaders and scientists to drive the continent's prosperity and integration. He thanked Commissioner Belhocine for his trust and support, and rallied staff, partners, and students to maintain momentum towards PAU's goals.

Students and staff from across PAU Institutes congratulated Prof. Koulidiati, including a delegation from his home country, Burkina Faso. The outpouring of support underscored the shared optimism around Prof. Koulidiati's appointment as PAU's first permanent Rector.

The investiture ceremony was attended by Cameroon’s government officials, university leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, PAU Council members and other dignitaries.

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