The Université Abdou Moumouni (UAM) in Niamey organized the first edition of its Journées d’Information et d’Orientation (JIO) for new baccalaureate graduates, also known as bacheliers. The event, held in the auditorium of the École Normale Supérieure (ENS), aimed to provide key guidance to prospective students. The organizing committee stated its objective is to better inform candidates, thereby reducing failures that result from poor orientation choices. This initiative is designed to equip new baccalaureate holders with the necessary information to make sound academic decisions as they embark on their higher education journeys.
Guidance for Future Studies
The Journées d’Information et d’Orientation (JIO) at the Université Abdou Moumouni (UAM) is scheduled to run for three days, from August 5 to August 7, 2026. The event commenced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, under the theme « Découvrir l’UAM pour mieux réussir ses études » (Discover UAM to better succeed in your studies). This theme shows the university's commitment to fostering student success through informed choices. The program for the event includes conferences, which offer detailed insights into various academic fields and opportunities. Alongside these conferences, presentation stands for different training programs are available, allowing students to explore specific courses of study. Additionally, a dedicated stand for the school administration is available to assist attendees with online registration processes, streamlining their entry into higher education.
The rector of UAM advised students to make well-informed choices regarding their studies, emphasizing that these decisions would impact their academic paths for the next three, five, or six years, depending on their chosen LMD cycle. This critical advice notes the long-term consequences of initial academic selections. Pr. Zanguina Adamou, the president of the organizing committee, noted a significant number of requests from students seeking to change their specializations after their initial choices. This observation shows the importance of the guidance provided during the JIO event, aiming to prevent such changes by ensuring better initial orientation. The objective is to offer a full framework for exchange and experience sharing, designed to help baccalaureate graduates choose suitable training programs for successful studies from the outset.
UAM's Extensive Offerings
The Université Abdou Moumouni (UAM) comprises six faculties and one normal school, offering a broad academic spectrum. The institution features over 40 departments, along with three language centers, three doctoral schools, and three research institutes. This extensive infrastructure supports a wide array of academic pursuits. UAM provides more than 200 training programs across various levels of study, catering to diverse educational and career aspirations. These include 53 bachelor's degrees (licences), providing foundational knowledge in numerous disciplines, and 21 higher education diplomas (diplôme d’études supérieures), which offer specialized training. Additionally, the university offers 7 higher technician diplomas (technicien supérieur), focusing on practical skills for specific industries. For students pursuing careers in healthcare, UAM provides training in medical studies and pharmaceutical studies, addressing critical needs in the health sector. The university also extends its postgraduate offerings with more than 100 master's degrees, enabling advanced specialization and research.
Rector's Advice and Vision
The event was presided over by the rector of UAM, Pr Moussa Baragé. He stated the objective was to offer a framework for exchange and experience sharing, designed to help baccalaureate graduates choose suitable training programs for successful studies. Pr Moussa Baragé warned against two common errors: choosing based solely on others' opinions and believing a diploma alone guarantees a career. He clarified that a diploma serves as the entry ticket to the job market, emphasizing that practical skills and continuous learning are also key for professional success. The rector further emphasized Niger's need for professionals such as engineers, doctors, teachers, jurists, and economists, aligning UAM's educational mission with national development priorities. Pr. Baragé Moussa noted that UAM provides laboratories, libraries, practical fields, and proven professors, extending beyond just lecture halls, to offer a full and enriching learning environment. Additionally, the president of the organizing committee recommended that parents allow their children to choose their own fields of study, fostering autonomy and passion in their academic pursuits.