The Université de l'Unité Africaine (UA), formerly known as the Institut Africain de Management (IAM), officially launched its 20th academic year on October 1, 2026, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The event was themed "Excellence académique, discipline, leadership et responsabilité: les clés d’une réussite durable" (Academic excellence, discipline, leadership, and responsibility: the keys to sustainable success). This milestone marks two decades of the institution's commitment to providing quality education.
The university's President of the Board of Directors, Dr. Amed Moussa Diallo, emphasized the importance of excellence, discipline, and personal commitment in achieving academic success. He encouraged students to adopt these values as guiding principles in their daily lives, stressing that excellence is not just a goal but a continuous process built on rigor, innovation, and hard work. Dr. Diallo also urged students to avoid behaviors that could compromise their academic progress.
Innovation is a key focus of the university's new academic year, with a greater emphasis on teaching English and Mandarin. This aims to equip students with the linguistic skills necessary to navigate global professional environments and enhance their mobility. By providing students with these tools, the UA seeks to enable them to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
Dr. Denise Gnamien/Tapsoba, Director of the Unit of Training and Research in Economic and Management Sciences (UFR-SEG), addressed students on their personal responsibility in constructing their own success. She emphasized that while the institution can provide support and guidance, students' engagement and commitment are essential for achieving their academic goals.
The ceremony also recognized the achievements of outstanding students from the previous year. The top students in each promotion received a 100,000 F CFA scholarship as a reward for their performance and an encouragement to continue their efforts. Massimbo D. Remonde Océanne, who achieved the highest grade in her year, received an additional award of a state-of-the-art computer.
New students have expressed their commitment to making the most of their time at the university. Nassala Sewanou Ulrich, a first-year student in economic and management sciences, pledged to apply the advice of the university's leaders to succeed in his academic journey. He emphasized his pride in being part of the UA community and his determination to make his parents proud.
Through its 20th academic year, the Université de l'Unité Africaine reaffirms its ambition to make education a powerful tool for transformation. By focusing on academic excellence, discipline, leadership, responsibility, and linguistic openness, the institution aims to prepare a new generation of skilled professionals equipped to tackle present challenges and confidently engage with the world.
Key points
- The Université de l'Unité Africaine is marking its 20th academic year with a renewed focus on excellence and global engagement.
- The institution is placing greater emphasis on teaching English and Mandarin to enhance students' linguistic skills.
- Outstanding students from the previous year were recognized with scholarships and awards for their academic achievements.
