Chapter 313
Chapter 313: Bootleg "Stuttgart"
In Heixingen, a town that had been quietly flourishing, Ernst's relationship with the original Hexingen royal family had gradually drifted apart. Even when he returned to the town, he rarely stayed there, preferring to reside in the Hohenzollernburg castle, which was located a bit away from the town itself. Despite this distance, the local residents had adapted to this new way of life, given that Prussia had assumed control over the region, and it was now more appropriately referred to as Germany.
The people of Heixingen, having witnessed the establishment of Germany, spontaneously organized a ceremony to celebrate this momentous event in German history.
Ernst, now a wanderer, had finally returned to the town, though he rarely visited. The grand buildings erected for the college were impressive but seemed somewhat out of place in the small, cramped streets of Heixingen. The environment here was quite different from Stuttgart.
Nevertheless, due to the presence of the Heixingen Military Academy and the gradual acclimation of the local citizens, life in Heixingen had continued smoothly. The academy had fulfilled its historical mission in Heixingen, and it was now set to be transformed into a German university. Ernst recognized its value as a place for East African students to acquire advanced German knowledge and technology.
Currently, East Africa had no plans to establish its own university. They faced a shortage of teachers and students. Hence, hosting East African higher education in Europe was a logical choice. After all, talented individuals capable of serving as university professors were in high demand, and they were not inclined to work in places like East Africa, which were essentially remote and isolated.
As for the source of students, the first batch of primary school students in East Africa still had some time before they would graduate, and the development of secondary education in East Africa was already on the agenda.
One of Ernst's advisors, Tom, inquired about the university's future direction. Ernst nodded and shared his plans: "Yes, not only will the Heixingen Military Academy site be transformed into a university, but other schools will also be integrated into a German university. What name do you have in mind?"
Heixingen had three secondary schools founded by the Hexingen royal family in addition to the Heixingen Military Academy. Together, they formed an extensive school district that occupied an area almost equivalent to the town of Heixingen itself.
Tom suggested, "Your Highness, if you intend to train talents for the kingdom, perhaps establishing a teacher training college might be a wise choice. Regarding the university's name, many people in the German region are unfamiliar with Heixingen and its significance. To attract teachers, we might need a little trick."
Ernst agreed, and they brainstormed ideas for the university's name. Tom proposed, "Your Highness, Germans with some knowledge would recognize Stuttgart, while Heixingen was once an independent country and is relatively unknown among the various German states. To draw teachers and students, we might need a strategic approach."
Ernst considered the suggestion and decided, "Then let's create two universities: Stuttgart Normal University and Stuttgart University of Technology."
The two laughed at the humorous twist of naming a university in Heixingen after Stuttgart, a well-known German city. This choice was sure to surprise many citizens of Stuttgart when they learned that their city's name was associated with a university located so far away.
Ernst's return to Heixingen came with a purpose – to relocate the Heixingen Military Academy to East Africa. The academy, which had earned its reputation as a renowned military institution in Germany, would now become the highest officially recognized military academy in East Africa.
The Heixingen Military Academy had initially been established in Germany because East Africa lacked the resources to construct such an institution during its early colonial period. However, with East Africa's growing capabilities, the time had come for the academy to return to its home continent.
Once the Heixingen Military Academy moved, the campus it vacated would serve a new purpose. The buildings were relatively new, and the facilities were first-rate. Heixingen had convenient transportation connections and was close to Stuttgart, a major transportation hub in southwestern Germany.
Tom pointed out another advantage: "Your Highness, if we aim to train talents for the kingdom, establishing a teacher training college could be valuable. By naming the university Stuttgart Normal University, we can certainly attract more attention, especially among those seeking positions as teachers."
Ernst was pleased with the idea and agreed to proceed with plans for the university in Heixingen. This university would be a hub for East African international students studying in Germany and Austria. The proximity of the university to Stuttgart would help manage the overseas students more effectively, ensuring that they received the education and guidance they needed.
Ultimately, the students educated at this university would play a crucial role in East Africa's development. East Africa recognized the importance of cultivating talent, and relocating the Heixingen Military Academy was just the beginning of their ambitious educational plans.