A solemn ceremony was organized on September 15 to inaugurate the new building of the Azerbaijani-French University (UFAZ) functioning on the basis of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU). The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov, Secretary of State to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of France Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Director-General for Research and Innovation at the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research Alain Beretz, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of the Republic of France to Azerbaijan Aurelia Bouchez, Rector of ASOIU Professor Mustafa Babanli, Vice-President of the University of Strasbourg Irène Jakoberger, President of the French Foundation for Chemistry Research Bernard Meunier.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, Education Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, Secretary of State to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of France Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne and other guests viewed the university auditoriums. Then a meeting was held in the assembly hall dedicated to the opening of the Azerbaijani-French University.
Education Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said the opening of the new building of the Azerbaijani-French University is one of the remarkable events for the cooperation between Azerbaijan and France and congratulated the attendees on the occasion of this day. Emphasizing that in the 21st century education plays an exceptional role in the formation of relations between the countries and nations based on mutual understanding and respect, Education Minister M. Jabbarov noted that for this reason President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attaches great importance to the development of education in the country. Education Minister M. Jabbarov said that selection of ASOIU from the Azerbaijani side as a leading higher education institution for the UFAZ project was no coincidence, as it had played a special role in the development of the country’s energy potential and made a contribution to the formation and strengthening of the oil and gas sector not only in Azerbaijan but also in Russia, Angola, Kazakhstan, Vietnam and a number of European countries. He said that the management of the University of Strasbourg, the leading university from the French side, and the academic staff involved in the UFAZ project had put all their efforts and rich experience to form the university. The Minister expressed his confidence that the academic exchange of UFAZ students and their future activities will deepen the relations between the two countries and talked about the exceptional role of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva in the realization of the project. Education Minister M. Jabbarov congratulated the students on the occasion of the new academic year and wished them success.
In his speech Secretary of State to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of France Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne expressed satisfaction with cooperation with Azerbaijan in the establishment of UFAZ. Saying that French enterprises taking part in the revitalization of the university life without seeking any benefits greatly contribute to UFAZ, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne stressed that they will play a crucial role in future development of students.
Director-General for Research and Innovation at the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research Alain Beretz noted that the UFAZ project is a result of successful joint work of Azerbaijan and France, talking about the remarkable accomplishments of the Azerbaijani-French University during the first academic year. According to him, this success was attained thanks to the attention and care of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the UFAZ project.
President of the French Foundation for Chemistry Research Bernard Meunier noted that the development is carried out not directly but through constant movement, pointing out that UFAZ academic staff is capable enough of contributing to the development of students.
Later, within the frames of UFAZ opening ceremony, ASOIU, University of Strasbourg and the French Foundation for Chemistry Research signed an agreement on the creation of UFAZ Fund. The Fund will enable the Azerbaijani, French and international companies to support future development and research activities of UFAZ.
The Azerbaijani-French University (UFAZ) is a project which was launched by the initiative of the Presidents of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of France during the bilateral meeting dated September 2014. On April 25, 2015, the Presidents of the two countries signed a document on the creation of UFAZ, and on May 22 the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed a decree on the establishment of the Azerbaijani-French University.
Education for all specializations at UFAZ continues 4 years (1 year – foundation year, 3 years – degree-related studies). The students study in English. In addition, starting from the foundation year the students learn French. The education is implemented on the basis of the French program.
