The 49th Anniversary of the University of Banja Luka Celebrated

A solemn academy was held on 7 November 2024 in the Banski Dvor Cultural Centre in honour of 49 years of successful work and development of the leading higher education institution in the Republic of Srpska - the University of Banja Luka. 

In his speech, Rector of the University Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, pointed out, among other things, that thanks to the dedicated work of the employees, the University, in a very tough competition, is recording continuous growth in the world-recognized rankings of universities. 

He states that the University is constantly working on improving teaching and the teaching process and introducing mandatory student traineeship. 

"In cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Srpska, we will continue to work on improving the working and studying conditions, student standards, and especially the studying conditions for students with disabilities", the rector emphasized and announced that short study programmes will be introduced with the aim of gaining additional knowledge and skills. as well as the e-Library at the University, which will enable an insight and access to the complete library material of the University and all faculties. 

In his speech, the rector also referred to the capital investments that were made between the two anniversaries of the University.

 "The construction and equipping of the Student Cultural Centre has been completed, and we are continuing with the development of the University Campus," said the rector, and announced new investments in infrastructure. 

"The plan is to implement new investments, such as the creation of a master plan for the development of the University Campus, the construction of the Science and Technology Park of the Republic of Srpska in the University Campus, as well as the reconstruction and repair of the roof of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, and the start of the construction of the Medical Campus in Paprikovac," the rector said. 

Prime Minister of the Republic of Srpska Radovan Višković said that investment in education is an investment in the future, and that the higher education of the Republic of Srpska has fought for its position in the region and beyond. 

"The University of Banja Luka is undeniably on the upward path, and I believe that it will continue on that path, thanks to its leadership led by the rector, Professor Radoslav Gajanin", Višković said, speaking at the ceremony dedicated to the 49th anniversary of the University of Banja Luka.

 Višković mentioned that the Government of the Republic of Srpska, since he became prime minister, invested several tens of millions of BAM only for the development of the University in Banja Luka. 

"At the University of Banja Luka, significant investments are ahead, such as the construction of the Science and Technology Park facility, which will enable us to benefit from our scientific research," Višković said.

In his speech, Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska Željko Budimir also said that the Government of Srpska continues to invest in projects in higher education.

The relevant minister confirmed that efforts are constantly being made, as well as that he is proud of the students who show enviable results at European universities as well.

Dr Efraim Zuroff, Director of the Wiesenthal Center Office in Israel and the Department for Eastern Europe, was awarded with the honorary doctorate of the University of Banja Luka for spreading the truth.

Zuroff sent his greetings via video link and expressed his respect and gratitude to the University and the academic community.

"This is one of my favourite and most important recognitions that I have received during my career. I regret that I could not come to Banja Luka, but I use this opportunity to thank from the bottom of my heart for this exceptional and, for me, very important recognition", Zuroff said, and emphasized that the honorary doctorate of the University of Banja Luka is a great honour, but also an obligation.

"We must fight against the revision of history and the minimization of crimes committed during World War II." There is no doubt that the Serbs suffered the most in this area, and that is why we must fight against every form of revisionism", Zuroff stressed.

At the ceremony, which was attended by rectors, vice-rectors of universities with which we cooperate, and numerous guests from the cultural and public life of Banja Luka and the Republic of Srpska, charters and plaques, gold badges with the image of Nikola Tesla, and a plaque for the professor emeritus were presented.

Thus, the following were awarded with the University charter: Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska Asst. Prof. Željko Budimir, PhD, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the People's Republic of China Prof. Siniša Berjan, PhD, former rector of the University of Niš, Prof. Dragan Antić, PhD, Representation of the Republic of Srpska in Austria, Professor Emeritus of the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy Vladimir Lukić, PhD, and Honorary Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Graz, Jorg Hofreiter, PhD .Ambassador Berjan was unable to attend the ceremony, so the charter will be presented to him subsequently.

University plaques were awarded to: Vice-Rector for Human and Material Resources of the University of Banja Luka Prof. Dalibor Kesić, PhD, Financial Director of the University Duško Lazić, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Zlatan Kovačević, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Security Sciences Prof. Predrag Ćeranić, PhD, and Prof. Saša Hajduković, MA.

And this year, an emeritus professor was promoted, namely the retired professor of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Banja Luka, Dragoljub Mirjanić, PhD.

The ceremony was also an opportunity to highlight the good cooperation of public universities in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hence, the rector of the University of East Sarajevo, who also chairs the Rector's Conference of the Republic of Srpska, Prof. Milan Kulić, PhD, and the rector of the University of Tuzla and chairperson of the Rector's Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina Prof. Nermina Hadžigrahić, PhD, addressed the audience by giving a speech.

The University of Banja Luka is the leading higher education scientific and educational institution in the Republic of Srpska and the second largest university in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was founded on 7 November 1975, which was preceded by the establishment of several junior colleges and faculties in this area. Today, the university has 16 faculties, the Academy of Arts and the Institute of Genetic Resources.

The photo gallery is here.

Photo: D. Vejinović, D. Desnica