President Jennifer Simons has pledged to work towards strengthening the Anton de Kom Universiteit van Suriname (AdeKUS). During the celebration of its 58th Dies Natalis on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the head of state emphasised that the government is prepared to support the university, but that commitment is also expected from the university board, lecturers and students. She made no concrete commitments regarding financial resources.
The president spoke during the anniversary celebration at the Centrumkerk, where the theme, ‘The role of AdeKUS as a leader in shaping Suriname’s future’, took centre stage. According to Simons, the university is in a transitional phase in which important decisions must be made regarding its future development.
Simons indicated that the government will once again hold discussions with the university board and other sections within the institution. This must determine which measures are needed to better enable the university to carry out its tasks in the areas of education, scientific research and public service. “I do not give you a promise of one or another specific resource. What I promise you is my commitment, and what I ask of you is your commitment,” the president said. According to her, the university can only fulfil the role Suriname expects of the institution through joint efforts.
Currie calls for accessible and future-oriented education
Minister of Education, Science and Culture Dirk Currie emphasised during the gathering that the university must be accessible to all Surinamese, regardless of their place of residence or personal circumstances.
According to the minister, young people from the interior must receive the same educational opportunities as students from Paramaribo. Students with disabilities must also be able to participate fully in higher education. According to him, accessibility must not come at the expense of quality.
Currie further pointed to the need to better align university education with economic and social developments in Suriname. According to him, the emerging oil and gas sector will place new demands on the labour market and increase the need for specialised knowledge.
At the same time, other important sectors, including agriculture, tourism, healthcare and technology, must not be neglected. Climate change also requires more scientific research and innovation, according to the minister.
Attention to academic independence and AI
The education minister also emphasised the importance of academic independence and cooperation between the university, government, the private sector and civil society organisations. Mental health, character development and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) must also be incorporated into the university’s further development, according to Currie. “Suriname does not only need well-trained people. Above all, Suriname needs people who are willing to take responsibility for the future of our country,” he stated.
The minister believes that AdeKUS should not merely respond to social changes, but should also make an active contribution to shaping Suriname’s future.
During the celebration, the anniversary addresses were delivered by drs. Silvano Tjong-Ahin and Professor Maureen Lichtveld. In addition to President Simons and Minister Currie, several dignitaries and representatives of the university community were present.
