athens university — athens university — The opening of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Cyprus branch is a historic milestone, as noted by President Nikos Christodoulides during the inauguration in old Nicosia.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Founded in 1837, the university is the first Greek institution to establish a branch outside of Greece. This new Cyprus campus will feature four schools and eight departments, offering an array of courses in both Greek and English across Nicosia and Larnaca.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
The inauguration ceremony celebrated the launch of the university’s Medical School and the introduction of student residences located near the municipality building in the heart of the historic city. Among the attendees were the Archbishop of Cyprus, members of the House of Representatives, former presidents, ministers, and the first cohort of medical students, who proudly received their white coats as they commenced classes immediately.
In addition to the main campus, the university will operate offices at Eleneion Primary School and access the Achilleion Library, which is equipped with reading rooms, laboratories, student residences, and lecture halls.
President Christodoulides, a graduate of the Athens institution himself, highlighted the university’s status as Greece’s largest and oldest, recognised globally for its academic excellence. He remarked that the establishment of the branch is a significant step in enhancing higher education in Cyprus, aiming to position the country as a regional hub for knowledge, research, and innovation. “This initiative holds substantial benefits for society, the economy, and the international reputation of the country,” he stated.
Christodoulides elaborated on the advantages brought by the branch, including expanded academic and research opportunities, new pathways for students and researchers, and strengthened ties between Cyprus and Greece. He emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing higher education and fostering international collaborations with universities and research centres, with a vision for Cyprus to emerge as a recognised centre of academic excellence.
“Our main goal is to establish Cyprus as an international educational centre capable of attracting students, researchers, and academics from around the world,” the president noted, pointing out that the establishment of this branch contributes significantly to that vision.
Archbishop Georgios, also an alumnus of the university, praised its invaluable role in nurturing Cypriot Hellenism. He reflected on the institution’s long-standing practice of admitting Cypriots without examinations, thereby educating generations with core Greek values during times of British rule aimed at de-Hellenisation.
Rector Gerasimos Siasos echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the university’s historical contributions to Cypriot Hellenism. He described the establishment of the branch as a pivotal moment, revealing plans for future expansion, including the launch of the Nursing Department, Business Administration Department, and others by 2026.
Mayor Charalambos Prountzos acknowledged the significant benefits that the university will bring to divided Nicosia, welcoming professors, students, researchers, and staff. He expressed optimism that the university’s presence would enhance educational ties between Cyprus and Greece and bolster Nicosia’s role as an educational hub.
With the approval of the branch’s establishment, Prountzos noted a surge in investment interest in Nicosia, calling for support in extending subsidy schemes for student residences. He assured students that the city would provide the necessary support as they embark on their academic journeys.
