Inaugural Address

Abstract

Formal Inauguration of CEMBA/MPA, Open University of Mauritius, Port Louis, Mauritius, 27 September 2013 by Professor Asha Kanwar, Commonwealth of Learning // COL has had a long association with Mauritius, which has been a pioneer in opening up educational opportunities for its citizens through alternative approaches. When the University of London introduced the notion of higher education without boundaries in 1858—its first external exams were held in Mauritius. Over a century later in 1989, COL commissioned a report to advise the government on how it might use distance education for human resource development in Mauritius. So this has been a long and productive partnership and COL is very grateful to the government of Mauritius for its continued financial and intellectual support. Mauritius hosted the triennial Focal Points meeting for Africa and the Mediterranean regions in 2011 and this is but instance of their support.