Doctor Andriamanantena Razafiharison took office last Monday as the new Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with determination to resolve the persistent challenges in this sector which has been shaken, in recent months, by movements unions and student strikes. President of the University of Toliara, Andriamanantena Razafiharison intends to redress the situation and is committed to placing the quality of teaching and research at the service of development and innovation. He thus wants to mark the beginning of a new era for higher education in Madagascar.
In his speech at Fiadanana, headquarters of his new department, the minister stated his leitmotif: “Quality teaching and research in the service of development and innovation”. This strong commitment has resulted in the establishment of priority and urgent projects aimed at resolving some of the most pressing problems in the sector.
Fake diplomas. Among these challenges, which the new Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research intends to take up, are the promotion of social peace within universities and between these institutions and their partners, with the ambitious objective of achieving “zero strike”, as well as securing the baccalaureate examination subjects. The minister also focused on the fight against corruption and fraud, including tracking down false diplomas, in both public and private establishments. It should be remembered that fake diplomas are a scourge that has tarnished the reputation of university diplomas in the country.
Standards. Good financial governance and the development of human capital within universities are also at the heart of Minister Andriamanantena Razafiharison’s priorities. He is committed to accelerating the establishment of infrastructure that meets standards, while working to provide the world of higher education and Malagasy research with quality human resources. Following the directives of the President of the Republic, Andry Rajoelina, and the Prime Minister, Christian Ntsay, the minister plans to introduce structural reforms to improve the quality of higher education in the country.
FLM. The handover ceremony was marked by the presence of well-known and recognized personalities including academician Manassé Esoavelomandroso, the president of the University of Antananarivo, Mamy Raoul Ravelomanana, and former minister Rejo Fienena. His appointment was also welcomed by a strong representation of parliamentarians from the south of Madagascar in Fiadanana. Note that the new Minister of Higher Education is also the current treasurer of the Lutheran Church of Madagascar (FLM).
Rija R.