Post date: Jan 08, 2021 7:20:6 AM
END OF YEAR 2020 – Message from Vice Chancellor
Dear All,
This year has been a thorny one where we were put to the test and our behaviour and way of life challenged. We have had to develop endurance, tenacity and strength to face adversity not only at personal and family level but also at the professional level to ensure we fulfill our commitments at the university. Just as the cactus symbolizes hardship and blooms magnificent flowers, we can all be proud of our UoM’s achievements this year.
As soon as we went on lockdown on 20 March 2020, we shifted to the on-line mode of delivery of lectures to ensure minimum disruption for our students. We had to take bold decisions so that our students complete their year of studies. We had to delay final year exams but we managed to finalise all results and hold graduation ceremonies this year itself in the interest of our students. That was possible because we had the support of the academic community and support staff who responded positively and went the extra mile to help the UoM achieve its objectives.
This year, a number of important projects have materialized. Early March, the Agri-Tech Park was officially launched as we completed the setting-up of the agri-processing incubator. We reinforced linkages with the public sector through the launching of the Road Safety Observatory and more recently the Research Observatory in Environment whose terms of reference are being finalized. The creation of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences marked a milestone in the UoM’s modernisation. In addition to consolidating training and research, this Faculty has the mission to engage with the community and address health problems plaguing the country. With perseverance and effort, the FoICDT started this October the first dual degree programme – Bachelor in Data Science - of UoM with CY Cergy Paris University.
With a 2020-21 recurrent budget cut of over 10% from 670M to 580M and a capital budget of only 4M, we have had to find ingenious ways and means to contain expenditure and keep to a zero-deficit budget as imposed upon us by the HEC. We had to review excess teaching and overtime amongst others and we had no choice than to put in abeyance a number of projects. Here again, we could rely on the understanding of staff and bring our contribution in a way to the economic downturn the country faces because of the pandemic.
But we have pursued our efforts to play a key role in the development of Mauritius through the organization of the first innovation week which aimed at enhancing linkages between academia, public and private sectors. This event has had a resounding success and one of the main outcomes of this week has been the proposal to set up the National Innovation System linking all stakeholders at micro, meso and macro levels. Due to the pandemic this year, our research outputs which have been on a constant rise since 2018 will probably be on the decline. But at the same time, our doctoral intake is increasing and we should be able to reverse that next year. We have been invited to join ARUA as associate member and this is testimony of the important role played by UoM in developing research.
In 2020, a number of staff and students have been distinguished and recognised through high-level appointments and international awards. Last week, CBBR won the UNECA award for their Nanotech Mask, a joint venture with RT Knits Company. Congratulations to all! With the help of the SDG task force, we have endeavoured to further promote the SDGs at the UoM. We can and should do more by reducing our electricity and paper consumption. Some staff have played a major role in assisting in the rehabilitation of our lagoon further to the Wakashio oil spill. The UoM is actively involved in partnerships at regional and international levels particularly through ACU and AUF.
We have been able to sustain our activities thanks to our vision and preparedness. I agree things are not perfect and we have lacunae to address. But we have to persevere in our efforts for a better and brighter UoM.
With these words, let me wish you a relaxing break with your families and a GREAT YEAR 2021.
Vice-Chancellor