On October 6, President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo presided over the inauguration of three new buildings at the Université Pédagogique Nationale (UPN) in Kinshasa. The ceremony aimed to provide the UPN with modern infrastructure, increasing its capacity and offering students better learning conditions. This event is part of a series of developments at the university during 2026.
According to Yvonne Ibebeke, Rector of the UPN, the new buildings complement existing infrastructure on campus, contributing to the university's gradual modernization and establishment as a premier institution in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The newly inaugurated buildings include two rehabilitated and modernized structures, one with four levels that will house the offices of general secretaries and the other that will accommodate faculty offices and laboratories.
The third building is entirely new and features classrooms and a meeting room. Rector Ibebeke highlighted the importance of these new facilities in enhancing the university's infrastructure and learning environment. The inauguration reflects the government's commitment to improving the education sector.
Minister of Higher Education and University, Marie-Thérèse Sombo, emphasized that the new infrastructure aligns with the president's vision to construct, equip, modernize, and perpetuate investments in the higher education sector. She also addressed the situation of universities in occupied territories in the east of the country, stating that they will be included in the president's construction and modernization program once peace returns.
During the ceremony, a student representative presented concerns to President Tshisekedi, including the construction of a university hospital and the provision of buses to facilitate student transportation. These requests reflect the ongoing efforts to improve facilities and services at the UPN.
The inauguration of the new buildings at UPN is part of President Tshisekedi's broader efforts to modernize the country's infrastructure, including education facilities. The president has previously inaugurated renovated buildings at the UPN and other institutions in Kinshasa.
The development of the UPN and other educational institutions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a key aspect of the government's strategy to improve education and create opportunities for students. The inclusion of universities in occupied territories in the modernization program is expected to enhance education in these areas once peace is restored.
Key points
- President Felix Tshisekedi inaugurates three new buildings at Kinshasa's Université Pédagogique Nationale to enhance infrastructure and learning conditions.
- The new buildings include two rehabilitated structures and one new building, featuring offices, laboratories, and classrooms.
- The government's efforts aim to modernize the education sector, including universities in occupied territories, and address student concerns.
