The Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde celebrated its 25th anniversary on May 7 with a solemn session held in the city of Praia, attended by the President of the Republic, Dr. José Maria Neves, as guest of honor.

The ceremony brought together members of the academic community, representatives of public and private institutions, faculty members, students, and alumni, in a moment marked by recognition of the journey of Cape Verde’s first university.

During his speech, the President of the Republic, Dr. José Maria Neves, praised UniPiaget’s pioneering role in diversifying educational opportunities and democratizing access to higher education in Cape Verde. The Head of State described the university as an essential reference in the national academic landscape, highlighting its contribution to the training of professionals in several strategic areas.

Dr. José Maria Neves also emphasized that thousands of students have already completed their education at UniPiaget, many of whom currently hold important positions both in Cape Verde and abroad.

For her part, UniPiaget Rector Dr. Joanita Rodrigues highlighted that celebrating the institution’s 25 years means recognizing a history built on courage, vision, and commitment. The Rector stressed the university’s role in training thousands of national and international professionals and contributing to the country’s development over these two and a half decades.

She further noted that UniPiaget has consolidated itself as a space for education, reflection, social transformation, and the creation of opportunities, maintaining a strong commitment to scientific rigor, human development, and education focused on citizenship, inclusion, and sustainable development.

The Rector also acknowledged the challenges currently facing higher education, ranging from pedagogical innovation and internationalization to the integration of artificial intelligence, applied research, and institutional sustainability. In this regard, she reaffirmed the university’s commitment to investing in research, academic mobility, digital transition, renewable energy, health, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

On the occasion, Joanita Rodrigues also thanked the Piaget Institute, the State of Cape Verde, institutional partners, companies, civil society organizations, and the academic community for their support throughout the years.

In turn, the President of the Piaget Institute, Dr. António Oliveira Cruz, highlighted the humanist vision that inspired the creation of the university in Cape Verde, defending education as a comprehensive process of personal development. He also renewed the institute’s commitment to the continuous strengthening of the institution in the country.

Likewise, the Director-General for Higher Education, Romualdo Correia, emphasized the university’s strategic role in the country’s development, arguing that Cape Verde’s future depends on investment in science, technology, and innovation. He stressed the importance of scientific research and the creation of solutions adapted to the national reality.

The ceremony also featured cultural moments that marked the celebrations of the institution’s 25th anniversary, in an atmosphere of celebration and recognition of the university’s journey.

The event concluded with the traditional birthday tribute to UniPiaget, accompanied by a symbolic toast celebrating the institution’s Silver Jubilee.