Acting VC Speech - Installation of the fifth Chancellor- University of Mauritius._ A Profile of National Contribution and Global Ambition

Acting VC Prof. M.Santally (on the right)  with the New Chancellor, Dr N.Gopee

At the landmark ceremony at the University of Mauritius centered on the official inauguration of Dr. Neerunjun Gopee as the University of Mauritius fifth chancellor, the acting Vice Chancellor, Prof M. Santally reflected on the university’s sixty-year legacy, highlighting its integral role in the nation’s development through academic excellence and specialized research. He gave a detailed accounts of various faculties illustrate achievements in fields ranging from climate-smart agriculture and engineering to digital transformation and medical science. Furthermore, he emphasised the university’s rising international profile, noted by its global rankings and prestigious memberships in African research alliances. He concluded by reaffirming a commitment to national progress while celebrating the new chancellor's long-standing dedication to the academic community. An abridged version of his speech is given below.

Introduction: Forging a Nation's Future for Six Decades

As the University of Mauritius celebrates its 60th anniversary, we reflect on a historic journey that began with our founding in 1965. Established at a pivotal moment in the nation's history, the university has accompanied the Republic of Mauritius through every stage of its post-independence journey, serving as a cornerstone of its development. Our institution was founded on the core belief that higher education is a powerful driver of both individual opportunity and sustainable national development—a principle that continues to guide our mission. This profile provides a comprehensive overview of the university's history, academic achievements, and strategic vision, highlighting the profound and ongoing impact it has made. With over 75,000 graduates serving across all spheres of society, our legacy is a testament to our foundational role in building a prosperous and independent Mauritius.

1.0 A Legacy of Nation-Building

The history of the University of Mauritius is deeply and inextricably linked to the history of a successful and independent Mauritius. This symbiotic relationship has been a strategic force in shaping national progress, with our institution consistently rising to meet the evolving needs of the nation. For six decades, we have anchored our mission in three core pillars—education, research, and service—to build capacity, foster innovation, and serve the public good. This enduring commitment to excellence has been guided by a distinguished lineage of chancellors, culminating in today's installation of our fifth. The university’s historical impact has been driven by the dedicated work of its academic faculties, whose specialized contributions have been vital to our collective success.

2.0 Academic Pillars of Excellence: A Faculty-by-Faculty Impact Analysis

The university's national and international standing is built upon the distinct contributions and specialized excellence of our core faculties. Each faculty has cultivated unique strengths, forged critical partnerships, and delivered impactful outcomes that have advanced both knowledge and national development. This section evaluates the specific achievements and strategic importance of these academic pillars.

2.1 Faculty of Agriculture

The Faculty of Agriculture has played a pioneering role in introducing and advancing scientific agriculture in Mauritius. With a history extending nearly 112 years to its origins as the College of Agriculture in 1914, its work remains critical to national resilience and food security.

• * Key Contributions: The faculty's work in sustainable farming, integrated pest management, and climate-smart agriculture has been vital for small farmers.
• * Direct Community Impact: Initiatives like the DZA program and the transformation of Belmar into a climate-smart agriculture village demonstrate how research can directly improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
• * Legacy of Education: The faculty has trained over 3,500 graduates who contribute to the sector.
• * Global Research Reach: Its research now spans critical global fields, including biotechnology, genomics, and climate adaptation.

2.2 Faculty of Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering serves as the nation's primary engine for industrial and infrastructural innovation, a role it has expertly fulfilled for over five decades, producing skilled professionals who drive the country's development.

• * Professional Recognition: Its programs are formally recognized by the Council of Registered Professional Engineers.
• * International Standards: In 2016, the faculty aligned its degrees with the standards of the Engineering Council of South Africa, a signatory of the prestigious Washington Accord, strengthening its position as a globally recognized provider of engineering education.

2.3 Faculty of Information, Communication, and Digital Technologies

This faculty is instrumental in supporting the country's ambitious digital transformation agenda, expanding access to high-impact programs that prepare students for the future of technology.

• * Advanced Programs: It recently introduced the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence to meet growing industry demand.
• * Global Collaboration: The faculty launched an international Bachelor's program in Data Science in partnership with CY Cergy Paris Université.
• * Industry-Academia Integration: It is piloting the nation's first "foros in applied computing," a pioneering public-private partnership model where industry-designed micro-credentials are mapped to university credits, leading to degrees and guaranteed high-value employment for Mauritians.

2.4 Faculty of Law and Management

As the university's largest faculty, it serves approximately 3,500 students across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, producing leaders in business, law, and public service.

• * Professional Accreditation: Many of its degrees are accredited by leading professional bodies, including the ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, and the CFA Institute.
• * Research Excellence: To date, the faculty has crossed the milestone of 250 impact factor publications, secured more than 60 research grants, and engaged in over 70 consultancy projects.
• * Global Researcher Recognition: Three of its faculty members are ranked among the top 2% of researchers worldwide by Stanford and Elsevier.

2.5 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences stands at the forefront of the nation's public health strategy, tackling our most pressing health challenges through world-class research and collaboration.

• * International Partnerships: It actively collaborates with leading institutions, including the University of Bordeaux, the University of Reunion Island, and the University of Geneva.
• * Sustained Research Excellence: Academics from this faculty have been ranked among the world's top 2% of scientists for five consecutive years.

2.6 Faculty of Science

Established in 1989, the Faculty of Science is committed to strengthening academic quality and fostering innovation in the fundamental and applied sciences.

• * International Accreditation: Its BSc Honours Chemistry program is accredited by the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry, UK.
• * Promoting Excellence: Since 2014, the faculty has organized the Raman contest to promote excellence in mathematics among students.

2.7 Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

This faculty continues to expand its offerings to meet diverse regional and global needs, fostering critical thinking and cultural understanding.

• * Flexible Learning: It offers fully online programs to enhance accessibility for students.
• * Innovative Programs: The faculty has launched new initiatives in psychology, theater, and African studies.
• * Community Engagement: It maintains strong engagement with communities, NGOs, and policy stakeholders to ensure its work is relevant and impactful.

The focused work of these faculties is complemented and amplified by a network of specialized centers that address strategic national priorities.

3.0 Specialized Centers for Strategic Impact

Beyond the traditional faculty structure, the university hosts specialized centers that serve as hubs of strategic, cultural, and technological importance. These centers extend our reach and impact, driving innovation and preserving the nation's unique heritage.

• Confucius Institute                             
• Fostering cultural importance through arts and language exchange.
• Center for Tourism and Hospitality    
• Advancing the nation's strategic tourism sector through research and training.
• Center for Research on Slavery and Indenture
• Preserving and interrogating key elements of Mauritian history and cultural heritage.
• Center for Innovative and Lifelong Learning (CILL)
• Drives institutional e-learning, online program development, and the university's digital credential initiatives.
• Center for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research (CBBR)
• Serves as a flagship regional hub for biotechnology and nanotechnology research.
• Center for Information Technology and Systems (CITS)
• Advances the university's digital transformation and serves as the regional Cisco and Huawei Academy.

The vital work of these centers contributes significantly to the university’s growing international profile and its recognition on the global stage.

4.0 Global Recognition and Strategic Alliances

Six decades of unwavering commitment to quality teaching, research excellence, and community service have enabled the University of Mauritius to earn significant recognition on the global stage. These international milestones reflect our institutional resilience, continuous improvement, and regional leadership.

• * Times Higher Education World University Rankings: Earned a coveted position among the world's leading universities, validating our commitment to global standards of academic and research excellence.
• * Alliance of Research Universities in Africa (ARUA): Admitted as a full member, joining an elite consortium of the continent's most distinguished research institutions, including the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University.

These achievements serve as a strong foundation for the university's ambitious, forward-looking agenda.

5.0 A Vision for the Future

Building on our distinguished legacy, the University of Mauritius remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the national agenda and shaping the country's future. Our strategic priorities are aligned with the long-term aspirations of the Republic of Mauritius.

• 1. Supporting the National Agenda: Actively contribute to the national agenda for higher education.
• 2. Promoting Internationalization: Enhance global engagement and strategic partnerships.
• 3. Delivering Quality Teaching: Maintain and elevate standards of pedagogy and student experience.
• 4. Conducting Impactful Research: Focus on research that addresses key societal challenges and drives innovation.
• 5. Advancing Sustainable Development: Strengthen contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• 6. Realizing Vision 2050: Advance the long-term national vision for Mauritius.

This vision will be carried forward under new leadership, renewing our enduring mission for the decades to come.

Conclusion: Enduring Commitment, Renewed Leadership

From its origins as a singular national institution to its current status as a globally recognized university, the University of Mauritius has been a constant engine of progress for the nation. This journey of growth and achievement is now poised to accelerate into a new era with the installation of our new chancellor, Dr. Neerunjun Gopee. His leadership is a catalyst for renewed momentum, ensuring the university will not only continue to prosper but will advance its mission with greater ambition. We are confident he will serve as an outstanding ambassador for our institution, both locally and internationally, reinforcing our enduring commitment to shaping a brighter future for all.