Minister of Education, Mrs. Elisabeth Sherif, Inaugurates Niger’s First Science College in Sorey
On the morning of Monday, December 9, 2024, Minister of Education Mrs. Elisabeth Sherif, accompanied by the Governor of the Niamey region, Brigadier General Abdou Assoumane Harouna, officially inaugurated Niger’s first science college in the district of Sorey.
Science education is one of the key levers for a country’s socio-economic development. For this reason, the Nigerien government decided during a cabinet meeting to establish a science college with the goal of increasing the number of students in the first two cycles of education and facilitating a better transition to the scientific series.
With this vision in mind, Minister Elisabeth Sherif, together with the Niamey region governor and senior officials from the Ministry, was warmly welcomed this morning by the teachers and students of this newly established institution. They participated in the raising of the national flag, accompanied by the national anthem, marking both the opening of the college and the beginning of the academic year for these new students.
Speaking on this occasion, Minister Elisabeth Sherif expressed her joy and deep gratitude, emphasizing that the project was part of the CNSP’s strategic vision and had been closely monitored by the President of the Republic, who had provided advice and guidance throughout the process.
“This project is designed to compensate for the gradual disappearance of scientific subjects in our country’s education system, to build scientific capacities, and to further develop our human capital, giving us a better chance for progress,” she said. She also expressed her thanks to the President for his visionary leadership, his commitment to schools in Niger, and his determination to make them a tool for global development.
She also thanked the Prime Minister for his support for the project, which was announced during a Cabinet meeting on September 20, 2024.
Addressing the parents of the students, the Minister thanked them for their trust and commitment to the initiative.
“You have given this country what is most valuable to you, so that our nation can be valuable in the community of nations. We will do our best to uphold the responsibility that comes with this talent,” she continued, also extending her respects to all teachers who have supported these students from kindergarten to CFEPD.
“May God reward your efforts a hundredfold,” she said, assuring the audience that the college would be run by an engineer, one of the individuals who had drawn attention to the gradual disappearance of scientific fields in the country.
“The first class of this school comes from all regions and social backgrounds of our country,” said the Minister of Education, noting that these students reflect the rich diversity of Niger.
Speaking directly to the students, she added, “You are the symbol of our unity. We trust you to continue working hard, and you will make this school a place of learning and thinking.”
The Governor of Niamey, Brigadier General Assoumane Abdou Harouna, also expressed his joy at the ceremony marking the start of the school year.
“You are students of the Niger Science College, the future scientists of our country, and the hope of our nation rests on your shoulders,” he said. Before stressing that an average score of 9 out of 10 is required for admission to the college, he expressed his hope that in a few years, Niger would become a scientific country. “All our encouragement is with you.”
It should be noted that the new science college includes an administrative block, equipped classrooms, a medical clinic, a library, a cafeteria for boys and one for girls, a dormitory for boys, and a separate dormitory for girls, all designed to ensure better learning conditions for the students.
