President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday (24) received an honorary doctorate in political science, development, and international cooperation from the Pedagogical University of Maputo. Lula is visiting Mozambique’s capital to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The honor recognizes Lula’s career and Brazil’s contribution to advancing education and science in Mozambique.

According to the university’s rector, Jorge Ferrão, more than 30 percent of Mozambique’s senior scientific staff - including holders of master’s and doctoral degrees - graduated from Brazilian higher education institutions through cooperation agreements signed during President Lula’s administrations.

“The Pedagogical University of Maputo opens its doors with a full heart because our gratitude is supreme and never-ending,” said the rector, noting that the title was also awarded on behalf of other Mozambican institutions.

The rector emphasized that academic cooperation is a two-way street and noted that, in 2024, the Pedagogical University of Maputo welcomed about 600 young people from Brazilian indigenous communities.

In a project with the Federal University of Maranhão, the Mozambican institution also committed to participating in the formulation and teaching of Afro-Brazilian history and culture in the Brazilian curriculum.

Best investment

Upon receiving the honor, President Lula cited several educational and anti-inequality policies developed in Brazil and reaffirmed that resources invested in education are not expenses, but “the best investment” a government can make.

“I know how much abuse we suffer for not having had the opportunity [to study]. That is why education, for me, is an obligation,” Lula emphasized, to loud applause from the audience.

Lula also pointed out that Brazil owes a great deal to the African continent, which helped “forge the country’s soul” during its 300 years of slavery, and stated that the undergraduate cooperation program for foreign students has been operating in Brazil for 60 years.

“International cooperation is only fair when it is based on solidarity and respect for the dignity and sovereignty of each country. This is the model that Brazil believes in,” Lula said.