Operation of many prestigious university institutions has managed to ensure not only financial benefits but also reverse the brain drain phenomenon, attract foreign investments, stimulate demand and tourism, the Minister of Health said
In the last ten years students in Cyprus have doubled, said the Minister of Health, Michalis Damianos, in his greeting at the graduation ceremony of Frederick University in Nicosia, on Friday.
Mr. Damianos said that in modern societies, education contributes to shaping the individual, improving his mental level, developing his critical thinking and his ability to make the best possible decisions, while increasing his productivity and incomes .
He added that the economic benefits of education are not limited to individual economic units but are spread throughout the economy. He referred to the English philosopher and economist Adam Smith, who, he said, emphasized the contribution of education to the progress of a state's economy.
In addition, he said that the social benefits of education related to the rise of the social and cultural level of a country are also important.
The Minister noted that in recent decades the development of the university education sector has been important, which has emerged as an important pillar of the economy and has great prospects for further development. He added that the operation of many prestigious university institutions has managed to ensure not only financial benefits but also to reverse the phenomenon of brain drain, attract foreign investment, stimulate demand and tourism.
In particular, he said that the number of students in Cyprus has almost doubled in the last ten years, as a result of many years of systematic and hard work, both on the part of the state and on the part of university institutions. “Higher education in our country operates according to the framework of ensuring academic quality and excellence,” said Mr. Damianos, noting that the recognized Greek- and English-language study programs are capable of attracting the interest of students within and outside national borders.
“Our universities excel in research, and employ experienced and internationally renowned academic and research staff. Several of them are high in the world university rankings. Moreover, our universities' participation in mobility programs and student and faculty exchanges with countries inside and outside the EU are increasing their eligibility from third country citizens”, he said, saying that Cyprus is a safe destination, easily accessible for third country citizens.
Addressing the graduates, he invited them to try to reach their goal as quickly as possible. “On the way you will meet many obstacles. Do not get discouraged and do not give up”, he motivated them.
Concluding his greeting, he congratulated the graduates on completing their studies.
