Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Adama Diawara, led a delegation on a visit to the University Péléforo Gon Coulibaly (UPGC) in Korhogo on October 8, 2026. The visit aimed to assess the progress of rehabilitation and extension works at the institution. During the inspection, Minister Diawara urged the contractor, SMDCI, to accelerate the pace of work without compromising the quality of the infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of meeting deadlines while ensuring the durability of the facilities.
The minister instructed the contractor to reinforce its teams across various sites to expedite the construction process. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work observed in the visited buildings, commending the efforts of the mobilized teams. However, he stressed the need to intensify work to make the infrastructure available to the university community as soon as possible. The UPGC is one of several institutions benefiting from a national program aimed at upgrading public universities and grandes écoles.
The inspection covered several facilities, including the existing university residence, Amphitheater A, practical work rooms, and laboratory buildings. The minister also visited the site of the new university residence, which is part of the extension program. These projects aim to increase the UPGC's capacity and improve students' living and study conditions. This visit is part of Minister Diawara's national tour to monitor rehabilitation works at public universities and grandes écoles.
The national program addresses the deterioration of public university infrastructure, which affects working conditions for teachers, administrative staff, and students' living and learning environments. Interventions also target university residences and cafeterias to increase capacity and enhance campus life. Minister Diawara reaffirmed the state's commitment to investing in higher education through infrastructure rehabilitation, extension, and new university construction.
The minister's visit evaluated the progress of works, verified their proper execution, and provided guidance to address potential challenges. He emphasized that investments in higher education should provide students with an environment conducive to training and scientific research while strengthening human capital development in Côte d'Ivoire. The UPGC upgrade project is part of a broader effort to improve the quality of higher education in the country.
During the visit, Minister Diawara and his delegation observed the current state of infrastructure and interacted with university staff and students. The minister's message emphasized the importance of timely completion and quality of work. He encouraged the contractor to adhere to the set deadlines and standards. The successful completion of these projects will significantly impact the university's ability to provide quality education.
The upgrade of the UPGC and other institutions is a key aspect of Côte d'Ivoire's strategy to enhance its higher education sector. By investing in infrastructure, the government aims to create a more conducive learning environment, ultimately contributing to the country's development. The projects are expected to be completed within a reasonable timeframe, allowing the university to welcome students in improved facilities.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Adama Diawara, has called for the acceleration of rehabilitation and extension works at the University Péléforo Gon Coulibaly (UPGC) in Korhogo.
- The minister's visit evaluated the progress of works and provided guidance to address potential challenges.
- The upgrade projects aim to increase the UPGC's capacity, improve students' living and study conditions, and enhance the overall quality of higher education in Côte d'Ivoire.
