Mauritanian students are set to benefit from priority access to transport services, according to Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister, Yaacoub Ould Amin. Speaking at the government's weekly press conference, Ould Amin revealed that registered students in the social registry of the National Solidarity and Extreme Poverty Fight Delegation will have access to free transportation. This move aims to alleviate the burden of transportation costs on students.
The minister's announcement comes after a week of negotiations between the Higher Education Ministry and student unions, which led to an agreement to reduce university transportation costs. The talks followed student protests demanding improved study conditions and university services. As part of the agreement, students will be able to purchase a monthly subscription for 3,500 ouguiya, allowing them 50 trips on rapid transport buses at 70 ouguiya per trip.
In addition to the rapid transport buses, the agreement maintains a fare of 50 ouguiya per trip on traditional lines not covered by rapid transport buses, provided that payments are made through an electronic ticket application. The agreement also introduces new ticket packages for traditional transportation, including a package of 10 tickets valid for 15 days and another package of 20 tickets valid for a month.
The new transportation agreement is expected to benefit students across Mauritania, who have been demanding improved services. The student protests highlighted the need for better transportation options, which are essential for students to access educational institutions. By providing affordable transportation, the government aims to support students in their academic pursuits.
The Higher Education Ministry's efforts to improve university services have been ongoing, with a focus on addressing student concerns. The ministry has been working to enhance the overall learning experience, including infrastructure development and curriculum improvements. The transportation agreement is seen as a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Student unions have welcomed the agreement, citing it as a major victory for their campaign to improve university services. The unions had been pressing for reduced transportation costs and better services, and the agreement is seen as a positive outcome of their efforts. Students are expected to benefit greatly from the new transportation arrangements.
The implementation of the agreement is expected to be smooth, with the electronic ticket application already in place. Students can purchase their monthly subscriptions and ticket packages through this application, making it easier for them to access transportation services. The government's efforts to provide affordable transportation options are seen as a positive step towards supporting students in Mauritania.
Key points
- Students in Mauritania will have priority access to affordable transport services, with a monthly subscription of 3,500 ouguiya for 50 trips on rapid transport buses.
