The Academic Bridge: UNIC Athens Officially Opens Its Doors
Greek PM and Cypriot President Inaugurate the Landmark Branch of the University of Nicosia
The inauguration of the University of Nicosia's Athens branch (UNIC Athens) took place in the presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The ceremony marks a strategic expansion of the Cypriot academic institution into the Greek capital, occurring during a period of strengthening educational ties between the two nations.
President Christodoulides described the education sector as one of the most vital pillars of the Cypriot economy, noting that the state invests systematically in schooling and research. According to data he presented:
- Cyprus currently hosts approximately 40,000 international students.
- The University of Nicosia itself serves 14,000 students from 100 different countries.
Mr. Christodoulides emphasized the goal of attracting high-quality students and linking higher education with the labor market, while also highlighting the role of universities in boosting European competitiveness.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that the establishment of foreign university branches in Greece was a government commitment to creating modern units of high academic standards. He stressed that this initiative provides more choices for young people and strengthens Greece's potential to evolve into a regional and global educational center. The Greek Prime Minister also referred to the upcoming constitutional reform regarding Article 16, aiming to fully secure the institutional operation of such private institutions in the country.
The ceremony was attended by the Ministers of Education from both countries, members of the diplomatic corps, and local government representatives.
The institution's leadership defined the branch's operation as the dawn of a new era for higher education in Greece, emphasizing extroversion and innovation. Panagiotis Skandalakis, President of the Board of UNIC Athens, noted that the institution will operate with respect for Greek academic tradition while aiming for "creative competition."
Antonis Polemitis, CEO of the University of Nicosia, set a goal to transform the branch into a leading research center in the Mediterranean. The university’s strategy includes:
- Connecting research with industry and society.
- Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in specialized fields such as preventive medicine and longevity.
