The Catholic University of Congo (UCC) recently opened its 2023-2024 academic year during a solemn ceremony held in Limete. This inauguration was marked by the presence of numerous political and academic figures.
The ceremony began with an opening mass, celebrated by Mgr Edouard Kisonga, auxiliary bishop emeritus of Kinshasa. Then, an academic session took place, during which the rector of UCC, Abbot Léonard Santedi, expressed his gratitude to all participants and congratulated the promoted and appointed full-time professors. He also paid tribute to UCC students who received medals from the President of the Republic for their inventions, including Mitterand Inanga, inventor of a disciplinary bulletin for schools in the Republic, and a group of students from the Faculty of Economics and Development for their turbine pump.
The rector then outlined the vision of UCC, which aims to bring dynamism, vitality, innovation and rigor, while emphasizing the importance of the choice made by new students when enrolling in this institution. He highlighted the conditions for success of a student at UCC, emphasizing discipline, determination and dexterity.
The opening ceremony of the academic year closed with an inaugural conference on the theme “Understanding Ubuntu to build a better humanity”. The speaker, Professor Prince Kaumba Lufunda, honorary rector of the University of Lubumbashi, explained that the concept of Ubuntu, which means fraternity and humanity, is essential for better communication and better mutual understanding in society.
This opening ceremony of the academic year at UCC reflects the university’s commitment to promoting excellence and innovation while training responsible students who are aware of their role in society. UCC thus continues to play an essential role in the higher education landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo.