Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – Joseph Ki-Zerbo University (UJKZ), Burkina Faso’s first university, initiated a year-long series of events on Tuesday to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
According to Burkina Information Agency, president of the university, the golden jubilee, themed “Joseph KI-ZERBO University (1974-2024): fifty years of contribution to endogenous and sustainable development of Burkina Faso,” will feature diverse activities reflecting on the university’s impact on the nation’s growth.
The celebrations, which started with an inaugural ceremony in Ouagadougou, will run from April 30, 2024, until November. Events planned include the official adoption of the university anthem, the unveiling of a commemorative monument, and the launch of the Joseph Ki-Zerbo Foundation. Professor Kobiané announced that the jubilee aims to showcase the university’s significant role in national development and will include workshops, public conferences on higher education challenges, exhibitions, sales events, an excellence gala, and an international scientific conference.
At the launch event, attended by academic dignitaries and a large number of students, there was a procession featuring representatives from all major universities and public schools in the country. Founded on April 1, 1974, UJKZ is dedicated to training leaders, conducting scientific research, and promoting the socio-economic and cultural development of Burkina Faso.