An exceptional Seychellois |12 October 2013

Following his recent visit to the North Pole as part of the ‘’Save the Arctic project’’, UniSey’s highest achieving degree student in the field of Computing and Information Systems is heading to the United Kingdom to continue his studies.

Renny Bijoux, one of the first cohorts of graduating students, was honored at last year's graduation ceremony where in recognition of his achievement he was offered a scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree. This major award, funded by the National Human Resource Development Council, marks a fantastic reversal of fortune for Renny who, prior to joining UniSey, had left his original undergraduate course in Russia unfinished for personal reasons. Returning from Russia, Renny considered a number of options including distance learning courses and part-time study at SIM – now incorporated into the university. However once the creation of a university in Seychelles was announced Renny was among the first group of students to opt to enroll on a programme at the UniSey, electing to study Computing and Information Systems.

“To do a first degree at the UniSey is an achievement and a new experience and I am glad to have been one of the first to set the benchmark and create history for Seychelles,” said Renny, who also observed that studying at UniSey had its ups and downs.
However it was his early experiences at UniSey that encouraged him to devote greater effort to his studies and this, in addition to the support he received from family and friends, enabled him to establish himself as an exemplary student.

Life at the Anse Royale campus was different to the university life he had experienced in Russia, as there were very few students at the UniSey campus and at that time Renny explained that the undergraduates relied on each other when times were difficult, building a camaraderie that still exists today. Renny still meets other students who have, like him, completed their degrees with flying colours.

Renny, who was recently working at the Seychelles Trading Company in the IT department, will be following a Master’s degree course in Computing and Cyber Security at the University of Greenwich, one of the largest universities in London by student population, and ranked fifth highest UK University in the recent People and Planet Green League.

“My advice to the youth of today is to be thankful for what you have as I am thankful to all the people who managed to help me throughout the tough journey I encountered during my studies, especially the management and staff of UniSey, as well as the founders of our university,” stated Renny.

As well as having a clear academic profile Renny has strong opinions concerning lifestyles, particularly concerning young people in Seychelles, who he advised to avoid bad influences and strive to reach, and remain, at the top of their game, whatever their speciality may be.

“Your limitations exist only in your own mind,” he said, “and you only fail when you stop trying”. Good advice for everyone, and particularly relevant for any Seychellois considering university life.

Contributed