December 7,2012-- The Chancellor of the University of Seychelles, President James Alix Michel, presided over the first Graduation Ceremony of the university, where 21 graduands received their first degrees in Business Administration, and in Computing and Information Systems, and 107 graduands received their diplomas and advanced diplomas in Education, at the university campus at Anse Royale this morning.


The ceremony was also presided by the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Rolph Payet, the Vice-Chancellor, Ms Marina Confait and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Ms Lucy Athanasius. It was attended by the University faculty members, the University Council, the students’ parents and other distinguished guests.

President Michel addressed the university’s first graduates with words of congratulations and encouragement, stating his confidence that they would contribute positively to society and the future development of the country.

“Today is your day, a very special occasion to remember, to celebrate and treasure. Your commitment to your studies has culminated in this well-deserved university recognition and validation of your academic achievement. In years to come, when you bring your children and grand-children to visit the corridors of this campus, your graduation photograph will have a unique place on the walls of this university. You have set a fine example for the cohorts of students that will succeed you here, and I am confident that you will bring great pride to your alma mater, the University of Seychelles, in the years ahead” said the Chancellor of the university.

President Michel recalled that the vision to create the university was evoked in 2007, during his State of the Nation address, and that the graduation of its first degree-holders is a milestone and fulfillment of this vision.

“That was one of the dreams I wanted to achieve for the people of Seychelles. That was one of my wishes for our people. That was the future I wanted to offer the young people of Seychelles. On this historic day in our nation’s history that dream has now been fulfilled, and our nation is justifiably proud of this accomplishment,” said the Chancellor.

He said that with the continuation of the university’s role in shaping the future of the country, it would be possible to achieve another vision he had shared in the past; ‘to have one university graduate in every Seychellois household.’

Mr. Michel also noted with satisfaction that a large group of teachers had graduated with diplomas in education, and he added, that in the future more teachers would need to be trained, as the demand for good teachers is increasing.

“Seychelles values its teachers, but we need more teachers. Education cannot progress without good and devoted teachers. Education is the foundation of any modern society, and university education is the cornerstone of this foundation.”

The Chancellor of the University of Seychelles concluded his address by calling on all the young graduates to use their talents, imagination, energy and resourcefulness to help their country prosper, and to use them generously in the service of their country, especially  for those in greatest need.

Editors’ Note

•    A total of 22 students graduated with their Bachelor of Science with Honours degrees, however one graduate was absent during the ceremony, and therefore it is stated that 21 received their degrees on this day.