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Mozambique: President calls for transformative leadership in public universities
4:29 CAT | 08 Oct 2025
Photo: Notícias
President of the Republic Daniel Francisco Chapo today in Maputo challenged the newly appointed Rectors and Vice-Rectors of Lúrio, Zambeze and Eduardo Mondlane universities to lead with a transformative vision in order to place higher education at the service of Mozambique’s scientific, social and economic development.
The Head of State called for ethical leadership, investment in research, and the integration of artificial intelligence and technological innovation into teaching and learning processes, stressing that “universities cannot remain on the margins of global change.”
When swearing in the new academic leaders, President Daniel Chapo said the ceremony was not merely an administrative formality, but symbolised a renewal of commitment to knowledge, to youth, and to the future of the Mozambican nation.
Those sworn in were Eusébio Víctor Macete as Rector of Lúrio University (UniLúrio); Luís Miguel Estevão Cristóvão as Rector of Zambeze University (UniZambeze); Mohsin Mahomed Sidat as Vice-Rector of Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM); and Alexandre Hilário Monteiro Baía as Vice-Rector of UniZambeze.
The Head of State emphasised that Mozambique’s public universities play a central role in consolidating the State and affirming the country’s intellectual sovereignty, as they serve as the nation’s critical conscience and as spaces where national thought is shaped, technological innovation is promoted, and hope is nurtured for future generations.
President Chapo underlined that universities are “where doctors who save lives are trained, where engineers build bridges and infrastructure, and where jurists, economists, teachers and scientists unravel the secrets of our universe.” He stressed that these institutions “play a key role in the human, scientific, social, environmental and cultural development of our beautiful Mozambique.”
Referring to current global challenges, the President warned that “today’s world is undergoing super-accelerated transformations,” driven by the digital revolution, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and the green economy. He stressed that “artificial intelligence should not be seen as a threat, but as a powerful ally” that should be used “to expand the human mind, increase scientific productivity and improve the quality of education in our country.”
The Head of State also gave specific guidance to each institution. To UniLúrio, he assigned the task of “strengthening scientific research in the areas of health, the environment and marine sciences,” taking advantage of the natural vocation of the country’s northern region.
To UniZambeze, he entrusted the mission of “consolidating the integration between teaching, research and extension,” turning it “into a centre of excellence and a hub for regional development.” To UEM, he urged it to be “a national model of innovation and research,” leading the debate on ethics and the use of artificial intelligence in higher education.
President Chapo reaffirmed that science is the engine of progress and assured that the Government will continue to support public universities in improving infrastructure, strengthening teaching capacity, and promoting applied research.
Furthermore, he argued that higher education institutions must go beyond their academic walls, placing knowledge at the service of farmers, young entrepreneurs, innovative women, and Mozambican small and medium-sized enterprises.
He also called for the creation of cooperation networks between universities and the formation of citizens who are critical, creative and entrepreneurial. “To lead a university is to lead the thinking of a generation. The future of Mozambique depends on what we are capable of thinking, teaching and achieving in our universities,” he said.
In the final part of his address, the President expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Rectors and Vice-Rectors for their contribution to higher education.
Source: Presidency of the Republic of Mozambique /Media Release
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