Author: Francois Kaboré SJ, President, Kosyam Jesuit University of Science

Kosyam Jesuit University of Science (KoJUS) inaugurated its campus on July 30, 2024, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The inauguration was part of the celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the Jesuits in the country and was attended by authorities from the General Curia, the JCAM Conference, Fr. Provincial from AOC, as well as rectors and presidents from various Jesuit higher education institutions in Africa and Europe. These events also provided an opportunity for the Association of Jesuit Universities and Colleges in Africa and Madagascar (AJCU-AM) to hold its third in-person meeting.

Today, the campus includes several buildings, such as the main classroom building, the "Magis Building" for postgraduate programs, the laboratories and Department of Science and Technology, a dormitory, and a refectory. The next major campus developments will include the construction of an educators' residence, a Jesuit community, a multipurpose conference amphitheater, and a chapel.

Kosyam Jesuit University of Science (KoJUS), in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, represents a significant milestone in Jesuit education. Established by the Society of Jesus to address critical socio-economic challenges, KoJUS is poised to transform higher education in the region by offering specialized training in science and technology.

Burkina Faso faces a daunting youth unemployment rate, exacerbated by a lack of technical and professional education. Recognizing this, the Jesuits in Burkina Faso discerned the need for an institution that could equip young people with the skills necessary for meaningful employment and leadership. KoJUS was born out of this vision, aiming to provide an education that is not only intellectually rigorous but also morally grounded.

KoJUS operates with a dual focus: a secondary school dedicated to science and a university department offering advanced training in engineering, teaching, and entrepreneurship. This innovative model ensures that students are not only prepared for the job market but are also instilled with the values of service and leadership that are central to Jesuit education.

The university’s development has been supported by an innovative public-private partnership, involving the government of Burkina Faso, the World Bank, and the Society of Jesus. This collaboration underscores the broad commitment to the university’s mission of fostering a more just and humane world.

As part of the global network of Jesuit universities, KoJUS benefits from the expertise and support of sister institutions worldwide. These collaborations enrich the educational experience at KoJUS and help it to grow as a center of excellence in West Africa.

Looking ahead, KoJUS aims to expand its facilities and continue its efforts to promote gender equity in science education. As it grows, KoJUS is set to become a beacon of hope, providing the intellectual and moral foundation needed to drive sustainable development in Burkina Faso and beyond.