President of the Republic Joseph Aoun reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the challenges facing the Lebanese University, emphasizing the need to shield the institution from political and sectarian disputes.
Stressing the importance of preserving the Lebanese University’s reputation and global standing, President Aoun described the university’s achievements as a source of national pride.
The President’s remarks came during a meeting at Baabda Palace with Lebanese University President, Professor Bassam Badran, accompanied by a delegation of deans, directors, faculty members, and administrators, who extended their congratulations on his election.
At the outset of the meeting, Professor Badran delivered an address in which he lauded President Aoun’s leadership, highlighting the widespread confidence the Lebanese people place in his governance. Badran outlined the university’s strategic transformation, emphasizing its transition into a research-driven and technologically advanced institution.
Badran further noted that the university had successfully launched an electronics manufacturing facility and embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation initiative. Moreover, the institution had secured top national rankings in both academic and professional reputation indicators.
The LU President, however, cautioned that the university continues to face pressing challenges that require governmental support, particularly in securing faculty appointments and reinforcing academic stability. He called for the approval of long-pending tenure applications and administrative staffing needs, as well as the reinstatement of the university’s governing board’s full authorities.
In response, President Aoun reiterated his unwavering support for the Lebanese University and emphasized the vital role of education in national development.
"Investment in education remains paramount," Aoun stated, commending the university’s academic caliber and the exceptional achievements of its graduates.
The President also underscored the importance of maintaining the institution’s integrity, urging university officials to insulate it from political and sectarian influences.
"It is imperative that we safeguard the university’s hard-earned reputation, particularly given its distinguished global rankings in petroleum engineering, pharmacy, and electrical engineering," Aoun said.
President Aoun then stressed that sustaining excellence requires continuous effort, pledging his administration’s support to help the university overcome its challenges.
"My eyes will remain on the university, and I will not hesitate to provide assistance where needed," he affirmed.
Following his discussions on higher education, President Aoun met with Bishop César Essayan, head of the Latin Catholic community in Lebanon, who was accompanied by a delegation of religious figures and representatives of Catholic institutions. The delegation expressed gratitude for Aoun’s leadership and conveyed its commitment to supporting his efforts in steering Lebanon through its current crises.
Bishop Essayan highlighted the community’s contributions in the educational, healthcare, and social sectors while raising concerns over institutional challenges. He also called for increased representation of the Latin community in state institutions.
In response, President Aoun reaffirmed his commitment to national unity, rejecting notions of majority and minority groups in Lebanon.
"What matters is competence, not sectarian labels," Aoun stated, urging equal opportunities for all Lebanese.
President Aoun separately met with MP Michel Douaihy, with whom he discussed the broader national situation and development priorities for North Lebanon.
Additionally, the President received Lebanon’s Ambassador to Gabon, Aline Younes, who conveyed the greetings of the Lebanese diaspora in Gabon and briefed him on the community’s affairs.
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