On Thursday 21 November 2024, the École Nationale Supérieure de Statistique et d’Économie Appliquée (ENSEA) in Abidjan took another major step forward in its history.
A memorable ceremony to inaugurate and christen its two amphitheatres took place on its premises in Cocody Avenue des Grandes Ecoles. These two buildings, equipped with cutting-edge technology, are a reminder of ENSEA’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, while at the same time symbolising modernity and innovation.
In an atmosphere that was both warm and full of pride, the event brought together a wide range of participants, including members of the government, institutional, technical and financial partners, teaching and administrative staff, students and alumni.
A look back at the highlights of this memorable day.
A solemn welcome with lofty ambitions
From 10am, guests were welcomed in a warm and festive atmosphere. A welcome from the Director of ENSEA opened the ceremony, highlighting the importance of this inauguration in the constant quest for excellence, a value that embodies ENSEA.
In his speech, Mr Hugues KOUADIO emphasised that these new facilities are much more than just buildings. They embody ENSEA’s determination to consolidate its position as a nationally and internationally recognised centre of excellence: ‘These amphitheatres, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, reinforce our mission: to offer high-quality training that is adapted to modern issues and to the growing complexity of socio-economic challenges in Africa and around the world.
The first amphitheatre, completely renovated, now bears the name of Madame Claude COULIBALY (Director of ENSEA from 1961 to 1969) in honour of her pioneering efforts.
The second, which is brand new, pays tribute to the second Director, Mr François YATTIEN-AMIGUET (Director from 1970 to 1994), who was able to consolidate what had been achieved and propel ENSEA onto the path of international excellence.
These names are not mere formalities, but symbolic acts that reaffirm the importance of preserving the memory of the builders of ENSEA.
High-level speeches
Among the personalities present, two speeches in particular reinforced the exceptional nature of the day.
Mr Adama DIAWARA, Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, praised ENSEA’s commitment to innovation and academic excellence.
Ms Nialé KABA, Minister for the Economy, Planning and Development, stressed that ENSEA remains a model of excellence for Africa and the world. These modern facilities will further strengthen its position as a benchmark institution for training experts in statistics and applied economics, both nationally and internationally.
Tribute to emblematic figures of ENSEA
The ceremony continued with the presentation of the first two Directors of ENSEA, true pioneers of the institution. These personalities left their mark on the history of the institution through their leadership and unfailing dedication. As a tribute to their invaluable contribution, their names have been attributed to the two amphitheatres, now emblematic places of knowledge and research.
The naming and inauguration of the infrastructure, symbols of renewal
The high point of the ceremony was the naming of the amphitheatres, marked by highly symbolic gestures. The name plaque of the first renovated amphitheatre was unveiled to great applause, demonstrating the gratitude and respect for the legacy of Madame Claude COULIBALY.
The official inauguration was then marked by the traditional cutting of the ribbon, symbolising the opening of this new conference centre. Guests then took part in a guided tour of the modern facilities.
The new conference centre includes :
A spacious amphitheatre, the François YATTIEN-AMIGUET amphitheatre, perfectly suited to high-level conferences and seminars.
Two meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology to meet the needs of strategic meetings.
A sophisticated technical booth for optimum event management.
These infrastructures illustrate ENSEA’s ambition to remain at the cutting edge of innovation to better support its students, partners and academic community.
A renewed commitment to the future
This inauguration and naming ceremony reflects ENSEA’s ambition to remain an undisputed leader in its field. More than just an event, it symbolises a key step towards an even more promising future for this institution, which shines on the national and international stage.
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