The Initiative Citoyenne pour le Développement du Sénégal (ICDS) has expressed deep concern over a recently released document by the General Directorate of Higher Education, listing private higher education institutions that are not recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. The list, dated October 1, 2026, has raised serious questions about the validity of diplomas obtained from these institutions.
According to the ICDS, thousands of students and their families make significant financial sacrifices each year, expecting to receive a quality education and a recognized diploma. The organization believes that no student should discover, after several months or years of study, that their institution lacks the necessary authorizations or accreditations.
The ICDS is demanding that the authorities take immediate action to protect students. This includes publishing the exact administrative status of each private institution, campus, and program; conducting a national information campaign for new high school graduates, students, and parents; and strengthening controls on institutions that collect tuition fees without the necessary authorizations.
The organization is also calling for a mechanism to protect and support affected students, ensuring they are not victims of administrative irregularities. When irregularities are established, the ICDS suggests examining solutions for transfer, regularization, or reimbursement, according to the situations and applicable law.
Furthermore, the ICDS is urging institutions to publicly communicate their current accreditations and habilitations, establishment by establishment and program by program. The organization emphasizes that certain previous official lists from the ministry show private institutions or campuses with approved programs, and the status must be verified based on the campus, program, and period considered.
Matar Diène, President of the ICDS, stresses that Senegalese youth deserve transparency and quality education. He emphasizes that students and their families must know the legal and academic value of the diploma they are preparing before paying a single year of study.
The ICDS will remain vigilant on this issue and is calling for complete clarification to restore trust between the state, private institutions, students, and their families.
Key points
- The ICDS demands immediate publication of the administrative status of private higher education institutions and programs.
- The organization calls for strengthened controls on institutions collecting tuition fees without necessary authorizations.
- A national information campaign is requested to inform students and parents about the status of private higher education institutions.
