Convocation of UniSey’s fourth vice-chancellor |03 February 2018

Dr Justin Valentin installed as new vice-chancellor

Dr Justin Valentin was sworn in as the fourth vice-chancellor of the University of Seychelles yesterday during an inaugural ceremony held at the university’s auditorium in Anse Royale.

The ceremony started with the arrival of the platform party led by the registrar with the mace, accompanied by the council chair Margaret Pillay, chancellor of UniSey, former President James Michel, vice-chancellor, deans and UniSey executive members.

This was followed by the university’s national anthem ‘Our future in our hands’ sang by Isis Rath.

A vice-chancellor is the principal academic and administrative officer of a university and his roles are to provide leadership, academic and administrative direction to the whole university.

Additionally, a vice-chancellor’s responsibility is to secure a financial base sufficient to allow the delivery of the university’s mission, aims and objectives.

He also carries out certain important ceremonial and civic duties.

As part of the ceremony, Father Roger De Commarmond said prayers of reflection and Ms Pillay highlighted the journey of Dr Valentin’s educational and professional life before she installed the vice-chancellor into office and the mace was presented to Dr Valentin.

Following this, Dr Valentin, who was university’s dean for Faculty of Business & Law for the past four years, addressed the audience and said he will adapt himself to whatever extent of self-transformation this journey would require, to ensure that he lives up to the expectations of the institution and serve it to the best of his ability.

He said this is not only a personal achievement in his professional journey but it is also an excellent testimony to the fact that it is possible to build a career path in teaching in Seychelles, which can ultimately lead to many great achievements. So, he took the opportunity to call on the new generation of students, to reconsider their attitudes to teaching.

“As a concrete example of our current standing in world academia today, is that UniSey has been entrusted by the International Creole Studies Committee based in University of Provence, with the hosting of the 16th International Creole Studies Colloquium in October, this year,” he said.

Vice-chancellor Valentin said he will be working on the implementation of the strategic plan and to increase students’ access to higher education.

“My inauguration as the vice-chancellor of UniSey opens a new window on our concept and perception of our national academia...By becoming the vice-chancellor of UniSey, I am now redirecting my energies alongside other national leaders and policy makers of education to give the teachers and learners, the best possible deal.... I will be devoting a considerable amount of my time working with other key stakeholders in achieving this mission of turning the Seychelles’ university project into a national project,” he said.

Another element of his agenda is to build a consortium of local scholars, so that people who have a vested interest in the university will have a forum for sharing and contributing ideas to strengthen our partnerships, both locally and abroad, while at the same time encouraging associates of this university to look for more partners as well.

He noted that he has always been intrigued by the idea of building a strong career in education.

He thanked his wife, children, brothers and sisters as well as his friends, colleagues, and acquaintances for all the support and encouragement throughout his career.

The outgoing vice-chancellor, Professor Denis Hardy said the university could not have a more thoughtful, wise and caring vice-chancellor.

He described the past four years as the vice-chancellor as a wonderful opportunity.

“People say it is a small university in a small country but it has an important role in the country and I’ve worked with incredible people who are enthusiastic about the mission and we heard this today from the vice-chancellor. It was an excellent speech he made and he is clearly going to carry forward that message and do great things,” he said.

For his part, he felt it was the right time to hand over as there are other things he would like to do while still contributing to the university particularly in research.

“I even now have the time to enjoy going to Chinese language classes. I am very happy with the change and I know now that the university is in good hands so I would wish my successor the best of luck,” he said.

Ms Pillay said Dr Valentin’s appointment represents the outcome of an intensive selection process conducted by a sub-committee of the university council and endorsed by the chancellor, former President James Michel.

“As Dr Valentin assumes office, we are convinced that he is the right vice-chancellor of the university. Dr Valentin combines a deep understanding of Seychelles society and of the national university with the energy and ideas to innovate. He will build on the university’s achievements and will bring valuable changes where it is needed,” she said.

On behalf of the council she then wished Dr Valentin courage, wisdom and faith as he takes UniSey on the next phase of its development and growth.