https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250127/congos-soviet-university-alumni-celebrate-russian-students-day-highlighting-cooperation-1070376279.html
Congo's Soviet University Alumni Celebrate Russian Student's Day, Highlighting Cooperation
Congo's Soviet University Alumni Celebrate Russian Student's Day, Highlighting Cooperation
Sputnik Africa
In 1960, there were only 275 African students and postgraduates studying in the USSR. However, by 1961, this number had grown to about 500, and by the end of... 27.01.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-01-27T17:44+0100
2025-01-27T17:44+0100
2025-01-27T18:27+0100
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On January 25, in celebration of Russia’s Student’s Day, the Russian federal agency Rossotrudnichestvo conducted interviews with prominent graduates from Soviet universities in the Republic of Congo. The graduates shared their experiences studying in the Soviet Union, reflecting on the lasting impact of their education and their hopes for strengthened ties between the two nations.A Life Shaped by RussiaBoniface Ngoulou, now a member of the Congolese National Assembly, described his time in Russia as transformative.Academic Excellence PraisedGregoire Lefouoba, a former Minister of National Education, highlighted the prestige of Lomonosov University, where he studied.A Call for Stronger CooperationIn his turn, Jagger Mpandzo, President of the Congolese Order of Pharmacists, stressed the importance of reviving educational ties between Russia and Congo.Fond Memories and ReflectionsJournalist Adrien Wayi-Lewy expressed mixed emotions, cherishing his time in the Soviet Union while lamenting current global divisions.Rigor and SuccessHenri Djombo, former Minister of State for Forest Management, credited the rigorous training he received in the Soviet Union for his professional success.
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africa in details, soviet union (ussr), rossotrudnichestvo, russia, education, republic of the congo (congo), central africa, russia-africa cooperation
africa in details, soviet union (ussr), rossotrudnichestvo, russia, education, republic of the congo (congo), central africa, russia-africa cooperation
Congo's Soviet University Alumni Celebrate Russian Student's Day, Highlighting Cooperation
17:44 27.01.2025 (Updated: 18:27 27.01.2025) Christina Glazkova
Writer / Editor
In 1960, there were only 275 African students and postgraduates studying in the USSR. However, by 1961, this number had grown to about 500, and by the end of the 1960s, it reached several thousand. These students attended the country's largest universities, and some later assumed leadership positions in their home countries.
On January 25, in celebration of Russia’s Student’s Day, the Russian federal agency Rossotrudnichestvo conducted interviews with prominent
graduates from Soviet universities in the Republic of Congo. The graduates shared their experiences studying in the Soviet Union, reflecting on the lasting impact of their education and their hopes for strengthened ties between the two nations.
Boniface Ngoulou, now a member of the Congolese National Assembly, described his time in Russia as transformative.
“These were the best years of my life, and what’s more, Russia gave me an education. Russia gave me the way to live with others. Russia gave me my spouse... That gave me the basis for my career. Today, I have a career that you know about. Deputy at the National Assembly, second term. It’s thanks to all that that I’ve been shaped as a person,” he said.
Academic Excellence Praised
Gregoire Lefouoba, a former Minister of National Education, highlighted the prestige of
Lomonosov University, where he studied.
“Be proud to study at Lomonosov University. Because among the top five in the world... Our university has always been among the best,” he said, encouraging current students to value their education.
A Call for Stronger Cooperation
In his turn, Jagger Mpandzo, President of the Congolese Order of Pharmacists, stressed the importance of reviving educational ties between Russia and Congo.
“What I’d like is for our diplomacy to do more and more to help us get more scholarships for students to go and study. Because it’s the only country where you can really feel at ease, study properly without really having to struggle to get a job,” he shared.
Fond Memories and Reflections
Journalist Adrien Wayi-Lewy expressed
mixed emotions, cherishing his time in the Soviet Union while lamenting current global divisions.
“I still have fond memories because I have photos I took back then with my friends. It pains me deeply when I see the war unfold. I had friends from Ukraine... But I think we must return to good feelings. And happy [Students’ Day] to Russia,” he said.
Henri Djombo, former Minister of State for Forest Management, credited the rigorous training he received in the Soviet Union for his professional success.
“The studies were rigorous. You had to work hard, or you wouldn’t get far. And when you liked what you wanted to do, well, you applied yourself,” the ex-minister recalled.
