Special Correspondent – Héribert‑Label Élisée Adjovi
The departure ceremony for the first cohort of students heading to China under the partnership between the Haute École de Commerce et de Management (HECM) of Benin and Shandong Polytechnic University in China took place on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Dr. Kossi Albert Chincoun Conference Hall of HECM‑Cotonou.
Engaged in a three‑year undergraduate program across HECM campuses in Cotonou, Abomey‑Calavi, Porto‑Novo, Bohicon, and Parakou, in fields such as computer engineering, industrial engineering, electronic engineering, and commerce, the six recipients (five young men and one young woman) completed their first year of studies in Benin. They are now flying to China to continue their education.
In his welcome remarks, HECM’s Director of Studies, Dr. René Nouémou, first acknowledged the presence of Dr. Antoine Agbanzé, representing the Director General of Higher Education at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Benin, as well as Mr. Shen Si, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Benin and Acting Chargé d’Affaires. He stressed that “today’s ceremony would not have been possible without the establishment and strengthening of friendship and cooperation between China and Benin.” He also praised HECM’s administration for initiating the first scientific partnership between a private Beninese university and a public Chinese university.
Student representative Raïs Kiniffo described the opportunity as both “a great privilege and a great responsibility,” pledging on behalf of his peers to represent their families, HECM, and the nation of Benin with dignity: “We leave as students, and we will return as professionals.”
Professor Maxime da Cruz, Academic Director of HECM and Honorary Rector of the University of Abomey‑Calavi, reminded the students: “This is the first time I see a private Beninese university conclude such a partnership with a public Chinese university. It is both an opportunity and a challenge… Your success will determine the future of this project. The only option you have is to succeed.”
Dr. Antoine Agbanzé emphasized that the event is “a model of excellence,” highlighting quality education, openness to the world, alignment with employment needs, and knowledge transfer. He urged the students to “cultivate excellence and become graduates, innovators, and solution‑bearers. Be in China the worthy ambassadors of this international public‑private partnership.”
Mr. Shen Si recalled the deep and traditional Sino‑Beninese friendship, elevated to a strategic partnership during President Patrice Talon’s state visit to China in 2023. He noted that the HECM–Shandong Polytechnic partnership stems directly from that inter‑state agreement. He encouraged the students to discover Chinese culture, modernization in the new era under President Xi Jinping, and to work diligently to return as skilled professionals serving their country.
HECM’s founder, Hon. Dr. Natondé Aké, expressed pride in this pioneering initiative, quoting Confucius: “If you want to plan for one year, plant rice. If you want to plan for twenty years, plant trees. But if you want to plan for one hundred years, develop people.” He stressed that HECM has chosen to invest in human development, marking a new path for private higher education in Benin.
The ceremony concluded with gifts from the Chinese Embassy, a family photo, and a farewell dinner in honor of the departing students.