Beirut: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, on Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the challenges facing the Lebanese University, emphasizing the need to shield the institution from political and sectarian disputes.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun highlighted the significance of preserving the Lebanese University's reputation and global standing, describing the university's achievements as a source of national pride. His remarks came during a meeting at Baabda Palace with Lebanese University President, Professor Bassam Badran, and a delegation of deans, directors, faculty members, and administrators, who extended their congratulations on his election.
At the outset of the meeting, Professor Badran lauded President Aoun's leadership and outlined the university's strategic transformation into a research-driven and technologically advanced institution. He noted that the university had launched an electronics manufacturing facility and embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation initiative, securing top national rankings in academic and professional reputation indicators.
Despite these achievements, Badran 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, emphasizing the vital role of education in national development. He commended 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.
President Aoun stressed that sustaining excellence requires continuous effort and pledged his administration's support to help the university overcome its challenges. He affirmed his commitment to providing assistance where needed.
Following his discussions on higher education, President Aoun met with Bishop C©sar Essayan, head of the Latin Catholic community in Lebanon, who expressed gratitude for Aoun's leadership and conveyed commitment to supporting his efforts in steering Lebanon through its current crises. The delegation raised concerns over institutional challenges and 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 and urging equal opportunities for all Lebanese. He also met with MP Michel Douaihy to discuss the broader national situation and development priorities for North Lebanon and received Lebanon's Ambassador to Gabon, Aline Younes, who briefed him on the Lebanese diaspora's affairs in Gabon.