“It’s time to take concrete actions in favor of our planet.” This is the answer given by Ruth Célia Makele Mbondo, a student at the National Polytechnic Institute-Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB), when asked about her motivations for participating in the “U7+ University Competition”.
Ivory Coast, the only country represented
Created in 2022 by the U7+ Alliance of global universities, the U7+ competition invites students to conduct research and propose solutions to a local problem related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Thus, this year, the finalist teams presented their projects during an event organized by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ottawa. The final phase of the competition, which took place from May 24 to 26 at the University of Ottawa, with to do teams from Canada, France, Japan, Ghana, Ivory Coast, India and the United States. Ivory Coast was the only country that managed to represent Africa in this second edition.
Among the students present were INP-HB demonstrations. His presence was a source of great pride and sincere joy for the ambassador, who saw his nation's talent highlighted at this international event. Unfortunately, this joy was not shared by all African students registered in the competition. In fact, the long and tedious visa procedures have deprived Ghanaian students of participation. However, despite the challenges we faced, we were able to demonstrate adaptability by participating in the online competition. His commitment and passion for engineering have been a true source of inspiration for his peers and demonstrate his desire to overcome obstacles to achieve excellence. Ghanaians from Ashesi University took home honors in the Open Student category.
Alarming refusals
For their part, the Ivorian students managed, despite visas granted only the day before their departure, demonstrating their resilience and ingenuity by placing third in the competition. While these specialization performances highlight the determination of these African students, it is important to highlight the persistence and, in all likelihood, worsening of Canada's visa issuance problem. Indeed, in an article published in there analysisA press, Journalist Suzanne Colpron notes that the denial rate for visas and study permits for foreign students is high. It reaches particularly alarming levels when it comes to students from Africa.
In fact, in 2021, the refusal rate was over 52% in Ontario. These statistics highlight the difficulties and obstacles faced by African students who wish to continue their studies or participate in a university competition in Canada. Long and complex, visa procedures have a direct impact on the participation and, certainly, on the performance of young people from the continent during international competitions. This not only limits your learning and exchange opportunities, but can also harm the diversity and inclusion so desired in these types of international events.
Simplified procedures
International university competitions and events are, as we can easily guess, valuable opportunities to share knowledge, compare ideas and, above all, build connections between young talents from all over the world. These meetings stimulate innovation, promote cooperation and prepare future decision-makers to face global challenges. It is therefore important and essential that the Canadian government takes measures to simplify visa issuance procedures, notably by supporting a more open and inclusive approach towards international students, especially those from Africa. It’s about the mutual enrichment of nations and building a sustainable future AND prosperous.
