DÉDOUGOU: The University of Dédougou in Burkina Faso has been renamed Daniel Ouézzin Coulibaly University, honoring a prominent figure in the nation’s history. The Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Professor Adjima Thiombiano, urged the local community and university stakeholders to elevate the institution to reflect the legacy of its namesake. During a ceremony, he highlighted the importance of adopting values such as self-belief and hard work, which were exemplified by Coulibaly.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the renaming was a result of a participatory process involving the local population, who overwhelmingly supported the choice of Daniel Ouézzin Coulibaly’s name. The Minister emphasized that the university should become a bastion of solidarity, tolerance, and respect, urging students to honor Coulibaly’s legacy by fostering these values. He also called for a collaborative effort among university staff to achieve excellence in innovative and impactful results.
The Univer
sity of Dédougou, established in 2010 as the Polytechnic University Center of Dédougou, was officially named Daniel Ouézzin Coulibaly University in line with the April 4 minutes of the Council of Ministers. The decision was strongly supported by the local community, who contributed to the selection process. The institution aims to embody the wisdom, determination, and self-denial associated with Coulibaly’s legacy, as expressed by its president, Professor Aboudramane Guiro.
André Daniel Ouézzin Coulibaly, son of the late leader, reflected on his father’s significant role in the African anti-colonialist struggle, noting that the naming of the university serves as a remembrance of his contributions. The representative of the Massa, Chief of the canton of Dédougou, expressed gratitude for the government’s inclusive approach in the naming process and hoped the university would inspire peace, consensus, and freedom, values championed by Coulibaly.
Daniel Ouézzin Coulibaly played a pivotal role in setting Upper V
olta, now Burkina Faso, on the path to independence. As the first President of the Governing Council of Upper Volta, he initiated major development projects before his sudden death in 1958. His successor, Maurice Yaméogo, continued the decolonization process, leading to the country’s independence in 1960. The university’s commitment to honoring this legacy reflects its dedication to advancing education and development in Burkina Faso.