As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM) education and increasing awareness of its academic offerings, the School of Science and Engineering (SSE) of the International University of Grand-Bassam (IUGB) organized an outreach and orientation session for students of the Lycée Classique d’Abidjan on Friday, May 8, 2026.
This initiative was conceived by Dr. Seydou Sinde, Dean of the School of Science and Engineering, and Dr. Dalebe Gnandi, Assistant Dean, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen engagement with secondary schools across Côte d’Ivoire. Recognizing the importance of informing prospective students about higher education opportunities in STEM disciplines, the School adopted a proactive approach aimed at meeting students directly within their educational environments to present the various academic programs offered by SSE and to highlight the distinctive advantages of the American-style higher education model implemented at IUGB.
Following the necessary authorization from the Ministry of National Education and Literacy, a presentation session was scheduled at the Lycée Classique d’Abidjan. The event brought together approximately 400 students from the scientific and technical streams and was held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The SSE delegation, led by Dr. Seydou Sinde and Dr. Dalebe Gnandi, arrived at the institution as scheduled and was warmly received by Mrs. Koffi, the administrative representative and coordinator of the activity. Following a brief coordination meeting, the delegation proceeded to the conference hall, where the necessary audiovisual equipment was installed in preparation for the presentation.
Once the students had assembled, the session commenced with an introduction to IUGB and its mission of providing world-class education in Côte d’Ivoire. The presentation focused on the American-style educational system, emphasizing its student-centered learning approach, flexibility, interdisciplinary opportunities, and strong preparation for the global workforce. Attention was also given to the growing importance of English proficiency as a critical asset for academic success and professional advancement in an increasingly interconnected world.
A substantial portion of the session was dedicated to presenting the academic programs offered within the School of Science and Engineering. Detailed information was provided on the curricula, learning outcomes, and career prospects associated with the School’s various programs, including Mechanical Engineering Technology, Petroleum Engineering, Mining
Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics.
The presenters also highlighted one of the distinctive features of the SSE academic model: the availability of minor programs that enable students to develop complementary expertise in secondary areas of concentration. This aspect generated significant interest among the participants, many of whom expressed enthusiasm for the flexibility and multidisciplinary opportunities available at IUGB.
The event was highly interactive and encouraged active student participation throughout the presentation. Students were invited to ask questions and engage in discussions whenever clarification was needed. Following the formal presentation, an extended question-and-answer session allowed students to explore topics of particular interest in greater depth. The discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including admission requirements, eligibility criteria for government and institutional scholarships, tuition and fees, language preparation and support mechanisms for students concerned about English proficiency, as well as the availability of emerging and highly sought-after fields such as cybersecurity and
artificial intelligence. Comprehensive and detailed responses were provided to all questions, helping students gain a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them at IUGB.
The enthusiasm demonstrated by the students throughout the session was particularly encouraging. Many participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly in the leadership of the School of Science and Engineering and to receive firsthand information about academic and career pathways. Several students indicated a strong interest in pursuing their higher education studies at IUGB following the successful
completion of their baccalaureate examinations. Overall, the outreach mission to the Lycée Classique d’Abidjan was a resounding success. The event effectively strengthened awareness of the School of Science and Engineering’s
programs, clarified the unique features of the American-style educational model, and provided students with valuable guidance regarding their future academic and professional aspirations.
The delegation returned to IUGB with a profound sense of accomplishment, encouraged by the positive reception received from the students and confident that this initiative has contributed meaningfully to inspiring the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technology leaders in Côte d’Ivoire.
