In an act of jubilation and profound significance, the Máximo Gómez Báez University of Ciego de Ávila (UNICA) this Wednesday received, for the first time, the status of an Institution of Excellence, the highest recognition granted by the National Accreditation Board (JAN) of the Ministry of Higher Education of Cuba (MES).
The ceremony, presided over by Dr C. Walter Baluja García, Minister of Higher Education, and Dr C. María Esther Noda Hernández, executive secretary of the JAN, was attended by authorities of the Party and the Government in the province, as well as the leadership and university community of the Avilanian institution of higher learning.
After achieving the category of Certified Institution in 2016, the university undertook a solid process of strengthening its quality management system, integrated into its strategic project.
The official ruling of the JAN emphasises the exceptional results of UNICA, in the comprehensive training of professionals, the impact on the scientific, social and economic development of the territory, and the positive transformation of neighbourhoods and communities.
Such documentation highlighted the high sense of belonging of students and workers, the solidity of its faculty and the efficiency in the execution of its improvement plans.
In his words of thanks, Yurisbel Gallardo Ballat, rector of UNICA, emphasised that the recognition “is not a medal to hang on the wall, but the unison beat of the hearts” of the entire university community.
The official dedicated the achievement to the effort of professors, students, service workers and all those who contributed to building the institution “brick by brick, knowledge by knowledge”.
He underlined that excellence is a promise to students to find the tools for a better future and to society to continue being an engine of development and a breeding ground for committed professionals.
For his part, the Minister of Higher Education, in his closing remarks, called for understanding that the status of Excellence “is not a goal achieved, but a starting point”.
Baluja García stressed that the greatest complexity involves maintaining it and urged the entire university community to get to work to sustain and elevate it, dedicating this achievement to the Avilanian community and the country in complex times.
The act concluded with a cultural presentation, sealing a historic day for higher education in the province of Ciego de Ávila.
Adiane González Pardo, a young professor and executive, affirmed that the recognition is a great pride that values the evolution of the university, its academic excellence and its strong link with territorial development.
Dr C. Marco Edel Martínez Montero, Director of International Relations, indicated that this seal is a basis to aspire to international excellence and to position itself in world rankings, thanks to the research strength and agreements with more than 300 foreign universities.
