On October 10, 2026, President Félix Tshisekedi, while presiding over the 100th Council of Ministers in Kinshasa, instructed certain government members to create mechanisms for involving students in the maintenance of university infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This decision was announced through the communiqué of the 100th Council of Ministers read on national television. The move aims to ensure the sustainability and preservation of university facilities.
According to Patrick Muyaya, Minister of Communication, President Tshisekedi specifically instructed the Ministers of Infrastructure and Public Works, and Higher Education, University, Scientific Research, and Innovation to take necessary measures. These measures include developing a permanent plan for preventive and corrective maintenance for each university, complete with monitoring and evaluation systems. Additionally, regular university cleanliness and civism days will be organized.
The planned mechanisms will also involve establishing student brigades or committees responsible for cleaning and preserving university property. These initiatives will be accompanied by ongoing sensitization campaigns on cleanliness, respect for collective equipment, and preservation of public goods. The goal is to foster a culture of civic responsibility among students regarding the upkeep of their educational environment.
President Tshisekedi emphasized the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility and guardianship among students towards university infrastructure. He noted that students benefiting from these investments must understand they are also their custodians. This ensures that future generations inherit a well-maintained, functional, healthy, and conducive learning environment.
The President highlighted that university infrastructure constitutes public patrimony, for which everyone bears collective responsibility. It is their duty to preserve and pass it on to future generations. By involving students in maintenance efforts, the government aims to encourage a sense of ownership and accountability.
The initiative comes as part of broader efforts to improve and maintain public infrastructure in educational institutions. By engaging students directly in these efforts, the government hopes to promote a culture of maintenance and responsibility. This approach is expected to contribute to the sustainability of these facilities.
The implementation of these measures is expected to enhance the learning environment in DRC universities. It also reflects a collaborative approach between the government and students in managing and preserving public resources. Further details on the implementation timeline and specific mechanisms for student involvement are yet to be announced.
Key points
- DRC President Félix Tshisekedi instructs government to involve students in university infrastructure maintenance.
- Mechanisms to be put in place include student brigades for cleaning and preservation, and regular cleanliness and civism days.
- The initiative aims to foster a culture of civic responsibility among students regarding university infrastructure upkeep.
