The University of Pristina has awarded the title “Honorary Alumni of UP” to the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, and the acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti. The award is given to honor prominent public figures who were once students of the University of Pristina.

The Rector of the University, Arben Hajrullahu, said that the institution has produced presidents, prime ministers, statesmen, professors, and students who have made the nation proud both at home and abroad.

“The University of Pristina, through the years and decades, has always been under scrutiny and surveillance, but it survived, grew, and developed together with Kosovo. It significantly reduced illiteracy and brought together idealists and enlightened people who created the first nucleus of knowledge, scientific research, and sustainable development. Without exaggeration, there are few universities in the world that have contributed so much to the enlightenment and statehood of a people as the University of Pristina has throughout its history. From here have come presidents, prime ministers, statesmen, professors, and public figures who continue to make us proud both inside and outside the country,” he said.

After receiving the award, President Vjosa Osmani said that the University of Pristina is a “temple of knowledge” in Kosovo. Returning to the institution as a former student and lecturer, she said, was deeply emotional, as the university had shaped her as a person, a professional, and as the president of the country.

“To return here to the University of Pristina, not as a student or lecturer, but to receive an honor from this very temple of knowledge, is an emotion that cannot be easily described. For me, the University of Pristina has always been a symbol of free thought, debate, and the pursuit of truth. As a student, I learned not only from books but from the courage of generations who believed that knowledge is the strongest weapon to change the country. These two paths — that of a student and that of a lecturer — have shaped me as a person, a professional, and as the president of our beloved country. As a student, I learned to dream, while as a lecturer, I learned to be inspired by my students. And as president, every day I act responsibly to fulfill those dreams that were born here. Knowledge is the greatest wealth we can give to Kosovo,” she said.

The award was also presented to acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who said that the University of Pristina will continue to produce the country’s future leaders, emphasizing that this event should symbolize the power of the student.

He added that receiving the award is not only a personal honor but also a great responsibility.

“Dear professors and students, you have the power to give this city and this state the figures of the future and of hope. Let us see this event as the embodiment of student power. The University of Pristina is one of the greatest events in Kosovo’s history. Let us keep it alive as a cultural and intellectual development, and as an infrastructure for professions and academia. The Government of Kosovo will respond to all the university’s needs. Dear professors and participants, receiving this award is not only a personal honor for me but also a great responsibility,” Kurti said.

In its statement, the University of Pristina said the award was given to Osmani and Kurti because they were both former students, noting that “one of the university’s main priorities is maintaining ties with alumni who have built notable careers in Kosovo and around the world.”