A handover ceremony was held at the Centre national de recherche et de développement (CNRD) on September 25, marking the transition of leadership at Chad's Académie de l'Ouest. Outgoing rector Prof. Mahamat Barka passed the baton to Prof. Djalal Ardjoune Khalil, in the presence of Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Sitack Yombatina Béni. The minister acknowledged Prof. Barka's efforts during his tenure, despite facing significant challenges. He expressed confidence in Prof. Khalil's ability to lead the institution forward.
Minister Dr. Sitack Yombatina Béni commended Prof. Barka for his 38 years of experience in the education system, including his time as rector of the Académie de l'Ouest. He also welcomed Prof. Khalil, noting her impressive background, which includes ministerial roles and a position as advisor to the Presidency of the Republic. The minister emphasized the importance of the Académie de l'Ouest, which oversees over a third of Chad's education resources.
In his farewell address, Prof. Mahamat Barka reflected on his six-year tenure, describing it as a period of construction and consolidation for the Académie de l'Ouest. He noted that his term was marked by financial difficulties, including a three-year period without government subsidies. Despite these challenges, Prof. Barka stated that the institution remained on track, continuing reforms and maintaining its focus on education and research.
Prof. Barka highlighted the strategic importance of the Académie de l'Ouest, which oversees a significant proportion of Chad's education sector. He expressed satisfaction that the institution had weathered difficult times and was now poised for further growth under Prof. Khalil's leadership. The outgoing rector thanked the minister and other stakeholders for their support during his tenure.
Prof. Djalal Ardjoune Khalil, the new rector, expressed her gratitude to the authorities for entrusting her with the leadership of the Académie de l'Ouest. She welcomed the increasing representation of women in leadership positions, noting that two out of eight academies were now led by women. Prof. Khalil paid tribute to her predecessor, describing Prof. Barka as a dedicated and rigorous leader who had served the institution with loyalty and discretion.
Prof. Khalil outlined her vision for the Académie de l'Ouest, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, equity, and respect for all stakeholders. She pledged to focus on improving the quality of education, research, and services provided to students. The new rector acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed her commitment to working collaboratively with the institution's community to achieve her goals.
The handover ceremony marked a significant milestone in the history of the Académie de l'Ouest, as the institution looks to the future under new leadership. With Prof. Khalil at the helm, the academy is expected to build on the foundations laid by Prof. Barka and continue to play a vital role in Chad's education sector.
Key points
- Prof. Djalal Ardjoune Khalil takes over as rector of Chad's Académie de l'Ouest from Prof. Mahamat Barka.
- The Académie de l'Ouest oversees over a third of Chad's education resources, making it a strategic institution in the country's education sector.
- Prof. Khalil's appointment marks a significant increase in women's representation in leadership positions in Chad's education sector.
