The Office of the President has today announced the appointment of Dr Bernard Valentin as Chairperson of the University of Seychelles Council, effective 24th March 2026, for a period of three (3) years.
Dr Valentin brings to this role a distinguished record of public health leadership and national service. He currently serves as Special Advisor to the Minister for Health and has over a decade of experience as Principal Secretary for Health, having held the position across two terms from 2011 to 2012 and from 2016 to 2025. During his tenure, he provided executive oversight to the National Institute of Health and Social Studies, contributing significantly to the strengthening of academic programmes and institutional development.
His leadership experience spans multiple national bodies. Dr Valentin is currently Chairperson of the Seychelles Medical and Dental Council and also chairs the non-governmental organisation Patient Solidarity. Since 2018, he has served as a member of the Seychelles Qualifications Authority and previously sat on the University of Seychelles Council between 2016 and 2018. At the international level, he represented Seychelles on the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation for three years, reflecting his engagement in global health governance.
Dr Valentin holds a medical degree from the University of Athens and a Master of Arts in Health Services Management with distinction from the University of Manchester. He also holds a combined diploma in Epidemiology, Statistics and Management from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Diploma in Addiction Studies from the University of Reunion.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr Valentin has contributed to academic research, including coordinating the Seychelles component of an international study in collaboration with Lund University and the University of Rochester on the long-term public health effects of heavy metals on specific population groups. He has also co-authored a peer-reviewed article in the field of public health.
Beyond his medical and policy career, Dr Valentin is an accomplished literary figure and a two-time laureate of the Antoine Abel Prize, Seychelles’ highest literary honour. Fluent in English, French, Greek, and Creole, he brings a unique combination of clinical expertise, administrative leadership, and cultural depth to the role.
The Government welcomes Dr Valentin’s appointment and is confident that his extensive experience and leadership will contribute to the continued growth and strengthening of the University of Seychelles as a centre of academic excellence.
VICTORIA, Seychelles — Around 30 alumni and staff members of the University of Seychelles yesterday gathered at the Anse Royale campus to discuss plans to revive the university’s alumni association. The University of Seychelles Alumni Association is designed to ensure that all members maintain productive, lifelong relationships with the university. Additionally, the association strives to ensure that the interests of alumni are reflected in all aspects of the university’s advancement.
Chaired by Vice-Chancellor Joelle Perreau, the meeting highlighted that UniSey has approximately 3,000 alumni. ‘The Alumni Association serves as a platform where professional and academic interests can be discussed, fostering a close relationship between UniSey and its graduates,’ said Ms Perreau. ‘We did not initially register the association because we were not yet ready. However, by default, when you graduate, you automatically become an alumni. Every university’s Alumni Association is a strong community. Even after completing your studies, you are never fully separated from the university. There will always be something the university can offer you.’
The meeting focused primarily on how to establish an effective alumni association that supports its members while attracting new graduates and maintaining connections with past alumni. The objectives include increasing membership, creating an up-to-date database to manage graduate information, and fostering regular communication with alumni. Among those present was Alain Pierre, a UniSey graduate of 2014 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. ‘After completing my degree, I pursued my Master’s in South Wales. I have been working with the Defence Forces and continue to do so. Studying at UniSey was the best decision for me as it allowed me to stay close to my family. It is important for me to be part of this discussion because my sector is unique, and it is crucial to contribute ideas to the country’s development.’
