Title: The opening of the 2023-2024 academic year at the Catholic University of Congo (UCC): an event rich in success and prospects
Intro: Last Monday, the Catholic University of Congo (UCC) officially opened its 2023-2024 academic year. This major event brought together numerous academic and political figures, reflecting the importance and influence of this higher education institution. The start of this new year is marked by remarkable achievements, rewarded student inventors and a bold vision for the future of UCC.
Highlights of the ceremony
The day began with a solemn opening mass celebrated by Mgr Edouard KISONGA, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Kinshasa. This mass set the tone for the event by emphasizing the importance of spirituality and the quest for knowledge in university life.
Then, an academic session took place, chaired by Father Léonard SANTEDI, rector of UCC. During this session, he expressed his gratitude to all participants and congratulated the promoted and appointed full-time professors for their dedication. He also highlighted the exceptional achievements of UCC student inventors, such as Mitterand Inanga, who developed a discipline bulletin for schools in the Republic, as well as a group of students from the Faculty of Economics and development who invented a turbine pump.
The UCC vision: dynamism, innovation and discipline
During his speech, the rector of UCC, Abbot Léonard SANTEDI, shared the founding vision of the university. He stressed the importance of bringing dynamism, vitality, innovation and discipline in higher education. This combination of elements is essential to train competent, motivated students who are ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.
The rector also warmly welcomed the new students, stressing that they made the right choice in joining UCC. He encouraged them to persevere in their studies and assured them that the university will support them in their academic journey.
The solemn opening of the academic year was marked by the intervention of Father Noël Mpungu, representative of Mgr Daniel Utembi, president of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO). His speech underlined the importance of Ubuntu, an African concept which highlights humanity, fraternity and reconciliation. He recalled that Ubuntu invites us to be open and available to others, recognizing that we all belong to something greater.
The future of UCC: innovation and excellence
The inaugural conference on the theme “Understanding Ubuntu to build a better humanity”, moderated by Professor Prince KAUMBA LUFUNDA, honorary rector of the University of Lubumbashi, closed the ceremony. This conference highlighted the importance of human communication and mutual admiration to build a harmonious society. She also highlighted the need for IT spaces to be managed in a human, not robotic, way.
In conclusion, the opening of the 2023-2024 academic year at the Catholic University of Congo was a landmark event, highlighting the academic excellence, innovation and bold vision of the institution. Through Ubuntu and the constant search for improvement, UCC positions itself as a major player in the training of future Congolese leaders.