The University of Alioune Diop in Bambey, Senegal, has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its facilities. On September 29, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, Boubacar Camara, and his counterpart, Minister of Infrastructure, Dethie Fall, oversaw the reception of new infrastructure. This includes a 1,000-bed building and the launch of a national program aimed at constructing and rehabilitating university infrastructure, valued at 45 billion FCFA.
The newly inaugurated pavilion, located on Campus 2 in the DVF-Ouest neighborhood, is set to augment the accommodation capacity of the Regional University Works Center in Bambey (CROUS). Additionally, a 1,000-seat university restaurant was also commissioned. This development follows the recent delivery of 2,100 beds to the Amadou Mahtar Mbow University (UAM) in Diamniadio. The government's plan is to gradually increase the number of beds available to students in public universities to 10,100.
The national program encompasses not only the construction of new facilities but also the rehabilitation of existing ones. In Bambey, the official launch was marked by the laying of the foundation stone for one of five lots dedicated to infrastructure development. The construction and rehabilitation work, entrusted to companies such as Falaise BTP SARL and Méga Plus Services, represents a total investment of 45 billion FCFA and is expected to be completed within 15 months.
The program aims to enhance the university's capacity and modernize facilities dedicated to teaching, accommodation, and social services. Minister of Infrastructure, Dethie Fall, emphasized that the program will cover several university hubs across the country, from Matam to Ziguinchor, including Bambey, Thiès, and Dakar. He noted that the construction and rehabilitation initiative has begun in Bambey.
The University of Alioune Diop is anticipating a significant increase in student enrollment. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the university had 11,325 registered students. Projections for the 2026-2027 academic year indicate that 3,500 new students will be enrolled, bringing the total to 14,825 students. This growth poses challenges in terms of accommodation, catering, classrooms, sanitation, access to water, and healthcare.
The university's rector, Pr Ibrahima Faye, stressed the need to match the demographic growth with investments in infrastructure and equipment. He also called for addressing territorial imbalances and strengthening the institution's resources to maintain its academic performance. The national program also includes the creation of 22,500 additional teaching spaces, including classrooms and auditoriums, over the next 15 months.
The development is expected to improve the study and working conditions for students, teachers, and administrative staff. The director of CROUS, Baye Mayoro Diop, urged students to preserve the facilities provided, emphasizing that damaged property would incur additional expenses. The companies responsible for the construction work have reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the announced deadlines.
Key points
- The Senegalese government has allocated 45 billion FCFA for the construction and rehabilitation of university infrastructure.
- The University of Alioune Diop is set to receive new facilities, including a 1,000-bed building and a 1,000-seat restaurant.
- The program aims to increase the number of beds available to students in public universities to 10,100.
