The Institut burkinabè des arts et métiers (IBAM) has inaugurated a new educational complex, complete with a 500-seat auditorium, in Somgandé, Ouagadougou. The inauguration ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, marked the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year. The event was held under the theme "From Resilience to Excellence: The Burkinabè University Reinvents Itself in the Service of a Prosperous Nation."
The new complex is part of the Presidential Initiative for Quality Education for All (IPEQ), launched in January 2025. The initiative aims to construct 45 auditoriums with 500 and 1,000 seats in universities and university centers across Burkina Faso. To date, 25 such projects are underway, with the IBAM's auditorium being the second to be completed, following the inauguration of a 1,000-seat auditorium at the Université Nazi Boni de Bobo-Dioulasso last month.
The IBAM complex comprises several facilities, including a main 500-seat auditorium, three office suites, a video projection room, a video surveillance room, and a library. The three-story building also features six specialized laboratories, six administrative offices, a cafeteria, a reprography service, and several classrooms. The complex is designed to support teaching, research, and student activities.
The construction of the complex was overseen by the Bureau national des grands projets du Burkina (BN-GPB). Notably, the entire project, including furniture and decorations, was completed by Burkinabè companies and artisans. This approach aligns with the theme of the second phase of the Journées d'engagement patriotique et de participation citoyenne (JEPPC), which emphasizes the importance of producing and consuming Burkinabè goods.
The inauguration was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, Adjima Thiombiano. The minister emphasized the government's commitment to providing quality education and a conducive learning environment for students. He also stressed the need for students to take responsibility for maintaining the new infrastructure.
In response to the government's efforts, Eva Benjamine Kazienga, representing the students, expressed gratitude and pledged to preserve and make the most of the new facilities. Prime Minister Ouédraogo called on the university community to demonstrate audacity and discipline, while Minister Thiombiano emphasized the importance of zero tolerance for indiscipline, cheating, and substance abuse.
The new complex is expected to enhance the IBAM's capacity to accommodate students and provide a modern setting for teaching, research, and learning. The institution is part of the Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, and the upgrade is seen as a significant step towards improving higher education in Burkina Faso.
Key points
- The IBAM's new complex was constructed entirely by Burkinabè companies and artisans.
- The Presidential Initiative for Quality Education for All aims to construct 45 auditoriums in universities and university centers across Burkina Faso.
- The new complex features a 500-seat auditorium, laboratories, classrooms, and other facilities to support teaching and research.
