The Senegalese government has embarked on an ambitious project to upgrade the infrastructure of various universities across the country. By the end of 2026, the government plans to provide 10,100 beds and 22,000 teaching spaces, including amphitheaters, classrooms, and laboratories. This initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Infrastructure, which is working to complete the project within the set timeline.
On September 29, the Minister of Infrastructure, Déthié Fall, handed over two new facilities to the Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, Dr. Boubacar Camara. These facilities, located at the University of Bambey, include a 1,000-bed pavilion and a 1,000-seat restaurant, complete with socio-medical complexes. The new infrastructure aims to alleviate the pressure on accommodation, catering, and support services faced by students in Senegalese universities.
This recent development is part of a larger effort to address the growing student population in Senegalese universities. Just a month ago, on August 29, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye received 2,100 lots at the Amadou Makhtar Mbow University in Diamniadio. The Ministry of Infrastructure has made significant progress, delivering seven buildings representing 3,100 beds in Thiès and Bambey within a month.
The program is set to continue, with plans to construct pavilions with 1,000 beds each in several cities, including Thiès, Ziguinchor, Kaolack, Fatick, Kaffrine, Tambacounda, and Matam. This will bring the total number of beds to 10,100 by the end of 2026. Additionally, new restaurants with 1,000 seats each will be built in various universities, increasing the total number of restaurant seats by 7,000.
Dr. Boubacar Camara praised the pragmatism of his colleague, Déthié Fall, and his ability to meet tight deadlines on large-scale projects. The government's efforts to improve university infrastructure have been welcomed by students and stakeholders, who hope that these developments will enhance the overall learning experience.
In addition to the accommodation and catering facilities, the government has also launched a project to increase pedagogical capacities. The project, worth 45 billion FCfa, aims to create 22,000 additional teaching spaces in amphitheaters and classrooms across several universities, including Dakar, Saint-Louis, Diamniadio, Ziguinchor, Thiès, and Bambey.
The project is expected to be completed within 15 months, with the Minister of Infrastructure emphasizing that the deadline is non-negotiable. The government's investment in university infrastructure is seen as a significant step towards improving the quality of education and addressing the challenges faced by students in Senegalese universities.
Key points
- The Senegalese government aims to deliver 10,100 beds and 22,000 teaching spaces by the end of 2026.
