On October 6, 2026, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, visited the Université Pédagogique Nationale (UPN) in Kinshasa. This visit marked the fourth and final stage of the university's modernization program. The President officially opened three new infrastructures, including a brand-new building with 14 auditoriums, a recreational space, and an adapted elevator.
The new facilities also include two rehabilitated buildings with 54 administrative offices and seven modern scientific laboratories. These additions aim to improve working and learning conditions at the UPN, promoting better teaching and research opportunities. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of education in the DRC and strengthen the national human capital.
Professor Ibebeke Bomangwa Saila Yvonne, Rector of UPN, expressed gratitude to President Tshisekedi for his efforts in modernizing the institution. She highlighted the significance of these new facilities, especially during a time when the country faces challenges, including the ongoing conflict in the eastern region.
Samuel Kombe Ngomambula, President of the UPN Student Coordination, praised President Tshisekedi's involvement in the university's modernization. He stated that the President's visit not only brings new infrastructure but also instills hope for a better Congo. The students appreciate the President's efforts in providing them with modernized laboratories, which will help produce a new generation of scientists and engineers.
Marie-Thérèse Sombo, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Technological Innovation, emphasized that the new facilities align with a coherent vision to build, equip, modernize, and ensure the sustainability of these investments. Her ministry has proposed a national program for maintaining university infrastructure to preserve the investments made under the President's leadership.
The minister highlighted that the new laboratories enable students to combine theory and practice, fostering critical thinking and scientific rigor. She stressed that strengthening UPN is essential for strengthening the Congolese education system, as this institution trains future generations of learners across the country.
The modernization of UPN's infrastructure is part of broader reforms in the education sector, including the consolidation of the LMD system, improvement of training curricula, and structuring of doctoral schools. The quality of infrastructure is expected to have a positive impact on the overall education experience at UPN.
Key points
- President Félix Tshisekedi inaugurates new infrastructure at Université Pédagogique Nationale to enhance education and research capabilities.
