KFU establishing cooperation with the Republic of Benin
A cooperation agreement with the University of Abomey-Calavi was signed on 11 June. The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Benin Mrs. Éléonore Yayi Ladekan.
The Republic was also represented by Mr Gabriel Aniset Kochofa, Ambassador of Russian Education and Science, High Commissioner for International Cooperation of the Eurasian Economic Cooperation Organization (EECO), Director General of the International Coordinating Council of Graduates of Educational Institutions of the USSR and Russia, Mr. Félicien Avlessi, Rector of the University of Abomey-Calavi, and Smail Mousset, Head of Department of the Embassy of the Republic of Benin in the Russian Federation.
It should be noted that the delegation’s visit to Kazan is connected with participation in the International Forum of Ministers of Education, which ends today.
The meeting began with an excursion to the History Museum of Kazan University, where the guests were introduced to the stages of the university’s development, key scientific discoveries, outstanding graduates and professors of the university. Timirkhan Alishev, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, spoke about the structural units of the University and its international activities. He emphasized that out of 12.5 thousand foreign students only seven are citizens of Benin, and mutual cooperation within the framework of the memorandum will allow to increase this indicator.
“Kazan Federal University traditionally maintains very warm, trusting relations with the Embassy of Benin in the Russian Federation and in general with this country,” Dr Alishev said. “We are very pleased with the signing and hope that the memorandum will be followed by real steps in further cooperation”.
One of the overseas branches of KFU is located in Cairo, Egypt, he specified. Students from Benin can also get higher education there, closer to their homeland. The branch offers programs in medicine, but this year a major in artificial intelligence will be opened.
“We welcome the arrival of young people from Benin to Kazan both on scholarships on an individual basis. KFU is always open and will always be ready to provide high quality education to the wonderful Beninese students,” assured the Vice-Rector.
Mrs Ladekan, in her welcoming remarks, noted that upon their return home, the students will be able to share with their compatriots the valuable experience gained at one of the leading Russian universities.
“I very much hope that all expectations will be met,” the Minister concluded.
The meeting was attended by a master’s student of the Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics Baboni Mamadou Cherif. Mrs Ladekan asked him a number of questions about his studies and everyday life in Kazan.
“Today I was very happy, as it was the first time when our minister came to Russia and to Kazan,” shared the Beninese student. “At KFU I am studying to be a programmer. After graduation, although I want to stay in Russia, I will most likely return to my homeland to help it.”
The meeting ended with the signing ceremony. The document was signed by Timirkhan Alishev and Felicien Avlessi. The cooperation will cover academic exchange and implementation of joint educational programs. The parties exchanged memorable gifts.
The University of Abomey-Calavi was founded in 1970. The university teaches literature and arts, economics and management, law, humanities, political science, and engineering. University branches also offer programs in medicine and agriculture.