On October 5, 2026, Burkina Faso's Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, inaugurated a modern teaching complex at the Burkinabé Institute of Arts and Crafts (IBAM). The complex features a 500-seat auditorium, part of the Presidential Initiative for Quality Education for All (IPEQ). This project aims to improve learning conditions in Burkinabé universities. The new infrastructure is designed to meet international standards, providing students with a conducive learning environment.
The complex has several facilities, including three offices, a video projection room, six specialized laboratories, six administrative offices, a cafeteria, a reprography service, and two technical rooms. The ground floor houses the 500-seat auditorium. The first floor has two modular rooms with a capacity of 210 students each and two rooms for 80-90 people. The second floor features two mini-auditoriums with 210 seats each and two rooms with 90 seats each.
A library and green spaces have been created for students' comfort. The students expressed satisfaction with the new facilities, which will enable them to study in better conditions. Eva Benjamine Kazienga, a student representative, thanked the authorities for their efforts to improve learning conditions. She emphasized that the new facilities will allow students to learn effectively, interact with teachers, and develop skills.
The students pledged to use the infrastructure and equipment responsibly. Prime Minister Ouédraogo expressed pride in the progress made in the education sector under the President's leadership. He noted that modern and functional infrastructure, along with efforts to normalize academic years, are transforming higher education in Burkina Faso.
The Prime Minister urged the university community to maintain order and discipline to preserve these achievements. He emphasized that collective efforts will lead to structural transformation in all areas of Burkinabé life. Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, Pr Adjima Thiombiano, stated that the new infrastructure demonstrates the government's commitment to providing a decent and conducive learning environment for Burkinabé youth.
The inauguration of the teaching complex coincided with the official start of the 2026-2027 academic year. The theme of this year's academic year is "From Resilience to Excellence: The Burkinabé University Reinvents Itself for a Prosperous Nation." Pr Thiombiano emphasized that the university community must have a significant impact on society through the quality of graduates and research.
The National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Quality Education for All announced plans to inaugurate more auditoriums in public universities across Burkina Faso during the 2026-2027 academic year. A total of 12 large-capacity auditoriums will be built.
Key points
- The new complex at IBAM features a 500-seat auditorium and other modern facilities.
- The initiative aims to improve learning conditions in Burkinabé universities.
- A total of 12 large-capacity auditoriums will be built across Burkina Faso's public universities.
