Houet: The new president of Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Professor Antoine Bere, installed on Wednesday at the head of the University, pledged to academic normalization and to continue the actions taken by his predecessor, Professor Jean-Fran§ois Silas Kobiane.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Professor Antoine Bere has identified the normalization of academic years as the main challenge of his term. Mr. Bere praised the work done by his predecessor, Professor Jean-Fran§ois Silas Kobiane, for the results achieved during his tenure, while assuring him that he would spare no effort to continue and consolidate the projects undertaken.

He also stated that he wanted to place his leadership under the banner of collaboration, efficiency, and confidence in the university's capabilities, stressing that alone they can go far, but together they can go even further. Acknowledging the gravity of the task, Professor Bere thanked the national authorities, including the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, and the Minister in charge of Higher Education, Professor Adjima Thiombiano, for the trust placed in him, while reassuring them that he would continue the projects undertaken by his predecessor with the support of the entire university community.

The ceremony was marked by the official installation of the new president by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. It included the signing of the minutes, the wearing of the presidential insignia, as well as the handover of the documents and the performance contract.

In his speech, the outgoing president, Professor Jean-Fran§ois Silas Kobiane, expressed his gratitude to the highest authorities of the country and to the supervising ministers for the trust placed in him during his three and a half years in office. He highlighted the financial challenge faced upon his arrival in 2022, specifically clearing the academic fees debt, amounting to more than two billion CFA francs, which was successfully resolved.

Professor Kobiane also highlighted the efforts made to normalize academic years, noting an increase in the rate from 39% in September 2023 to 80% in September 2025. He praised the commitment of the entire university community and emphasized the initiatives taken to diversify the university's resources, modernize infrastructure, and progress in digitalization, particularly with the PROGRESS platform. While acknowledging the progress made, he noted that significant work remains, including achieving full normalization of academic years and strengthening internal financial resources.