Handover ceremony at the CROUS in Thiès: between emotion, tradition, review and new ambitions

The Regional Centre for University Works of Thiès (CROUS) experienced a new stage in its history this Monday with the handover ceremony between the outgoing director, Serigne Mbacké Lô, and his successor, Cheikh Tidiane Gaye.

After presenting a summary of his time at the head of the institution, Serigne Mbacké Lô delivered a message marked by restraint, gratitude, and a willingness to help. "Positions come and go. Convictions remain," he declared, before reiterating his congratulations to his successor and offering his prayers for the success of his mission.

The outgoing director assured Cheikh Tidiane Gaye of his full support in taking over the department. He also emphasized the positive aspects of his tenure: "We are handing over a well-structured administration and a strong, competent, and experienced team."

Serigne Mbacké Lô, in the same spirit, called on the agents of the CROUS of Thiès to support the new director with "loyalty, availability and professionalism", insisting on a value essential in his eyes: the continuity of public service.

"I am not leaving the public university service."

The former Director also emphasized that this handover does not constitute a definitive departure from the public university service. An employee of Iba Der Thiam University in Thiès, he had been temporarily appointed to head the CROUS (Regional Center for University and School Services) as part of a secondment.

He will therefore return to his university, where he has already devoted several years to student management and the modernization of the services offered to them.

"The place changes. The function changes. But the mission remains: to serve the students," he stressed.

A mission that, according to him, has been a constant throughout his professional career for almost thirteen years. The numerous testimonials recently received from students and alumni have allowed him to better appreciate the scope of this commitment.

“Serving students is no longer just a function, nor even a passion. It has become a true devotion,” he confided.

The ambitions of Sheikh Tidiane Gaye

Officially taking the reins of the CROUS of Thiès, Cheikh Tidiane Gaye displayed an ambition focused on improving the living and studying conditions of students, but also on strengthening the professional environment of staff and the quality of relations with partners.

Its ambition can be summarized in three expectations: that the student sees an improvement in their living and studying conditions, that the staff benefits from a more efficient and rewarding working environment, and that the partners consider the CROUS of Thiès as a reliable, modern and efficient service.

The new Director also intends to align his actions with the guidelines of the supervisory authority and achieve concrete results.

"From words to deeds. From guidelines to results. From commitments to achievements," he emphasized, summarizing his vision around a three-part principle: responsibility, direction, ambition.

"I'm here to serve, not to be served."

Cheikh Tidiane Gaye says he fully appreciates the trust placed in him and especially the duty that accompanies his new responsibility.

In a speech with republican overtones, he laid out the principles that would guide his actions: "I come to serve, not to be served. I come to unite, not to divide. I come to build, not to deconstruct."

He intends to place his mandate within the continuity of the State and within the dynamic of transformation led by the national authorities.

The goal is clearly stated: to make the CROUS of Thiès a more modern, more efficient, more humane institution and resolutely focused on the student.

To achieve this, the new Director is relying on a method based on four pillars: dialogue, responsibility, transparency and performance.

The handover ceremony was also marked by displays of political affiliation. Between folklore, speeches, and demonstrations of political loyalty, the ceremony, which began at 11 a.m., lasted for nearly six hours, finally ending around 5 p.m.