UniSey appoints new vice-chancellor |21 December 2017

Dr Justin Valentin has been appointed as the new vice-chancellor of the University of Seychelles (UniSey). 

He will take up the post on January 1, 2018.

Dr Valentin joined UniSey in 2013 and is presently Dean of the Faculty of Business & Sustainable Development.  He has been closely involved in the development of the university during this period and, as well as his Faculty role, he has overall responsibility for the university’s Research and Internationalisation.

In the course of gaining his academic qualifications, he attended universities in Australia, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. Following research at King’s College London, he obtained his PhD in his specialist field of Mathematics Education.

Dr Valentin is well known as a leading educationalist in Seychelles.  Prior to joining UniSey he undertook research in the Ministry of Education.  More recently, he has chaired or otherwise participated in a number of important committees and governing bodies.

This wide range of experience will be important to the further development of UniSey and the closer alignment of the university to government priorities.  He brings to the post a strong sense of commitment to the role of higher education at a time when Seychelles is working towards the fulfilment of a knowledge economy.

Dr Valentin will be the university’s fourth vice-chancellor, following in the steps of Professor Rolph Payet (the Founding V-C), Marina Confait, and Professor Dennis Hardy. 

His appointment represents the outcome of an intensive selection process conducted by a sub-committee of the University Council and endorsed by the chancellor, former President James Michel. 

Reflecting on the process, the chair of the Council, Margaret Pillay, affirmed her belief that this is the right decision for the university: 

“Dr Valentin combines a deep understanding of Seychelles society and of the national university with the energy and ideas to innovate.  He will build on the university’s achievements to date and will bring valuable change where it is needed.”

Meanwhile the UniSey is now closed for the Christmas vacation. It will re-open on January 8, 2018.