Korea Aerospace University Signs MOU for Aerospace and ICT Cooperation with Côte d'Ivoire's Largest National University UFHB

Aiming to Become the Aviation Hub of West Africa

Discussing Cooperation in Nurturing Aviation and Aerospace Talent

Building a Comprehensive Collaboration Framework in Education and Research

Joint Operation of ICT and AI Programs, Student Exchanges, and Dual Degree Initiatives

Korea Aerospace University welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education of Côte d'Ivoire and Université Felix Houphouet-Boigny (UFHB) on April 15 at its campus, signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for comprehensive cooperation in education, research, and human exchange.

Korea Aerospace University welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education of Côte d'Ivoire and Felix Houphouet-Boigny University (Universite Felix Houphouet-Boigny, UFHB) on the 15th at the campus, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for comprehensive cooperation in education, research, and personnel exchanges. Provided by Korea Aerospace University

The signing ceremony was attended by Koben Toka Arsène, Deputy Minister of Higher Education of Côte d'Ivoire; Maiga Abdou, Director of the Information Systems Department at the Ministry of Higher Education; Ballo Gie, President of UFHB; Korivali Yaya, Secretary-General of UFHB; and Houhout Assepo Celestin, Deputy Secretary-General of UFHB. Representing Korea Aerospace University were President Heo Heeyoung, Graduate School Dean Ahn Junsun, Planning Director Hwang Wansik, International Affairs Director Kim Sangwoo, General Affairs Director Choi Byungkwon, Honorary Professor Park Jongseo, Graduate School of Aerospace Policy Dean Lee Jaewan, and Distinguished Professor Lee Jinsang.

UFHB, located in the Cocody district of Abidjan, is the largest national comprehensive university in Côte d'Ivoire, with approximately 50,000 students, 13 faculties, and numerous research centers. Established in 1964, the university has led the country's higher education and operates under Côte d'Ivoire’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Recently, it has focused on strengthening its capabilities in advanced fields such as ICT and aerospace.

Through this agreement, the two universities plan to collaborate across education and research, including academic exchanges, faculty/researcher/student exchanges, student exchange programs, and joint academic events. In particular, they aim to strengthen the capacities of both institutions by jointly operating ICT and AI education programs.

President Heo Heeyoung stated, "I am confident that sharing our 74 years of experience in cultivating talent in the aviation and aerospace fields with UFHB will serve as an opportunity to cooperate on the development of Côte d'Ivoire’s aviation and aerospace sector. I look forward to close inter-university cooperation so that Côte d'Ivoire can emerge as a model of industrialization among Africa’s 54 nations."

Deputy Minister Koben Toka Arsène responded, "Korea has achieved remarkable progress through education and technology despite having no natural resources, and likewise, Côte d'Ivoire will drive changes in its economic structure through investment in higher education. As we aim to become the aviation hub of West Africa and need to foster talent across the aerospace sector, I hope this cooperation leads to tangible outcomes for both countries."

Meanwhile, in the afternoon, the Côte d'Ivoire delegation attended special lectures by Honorary Professor Park Jongseo and Distinguished Professor Lee Jinsang at Korea Aerospace University, sharing knowledge in the fields of aviation and AI.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.