In a move that has sparked controversy, Sudan's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Ahmed Madwi Musa, issued a directive on June 3, 2026, requiring all higher education institutions to return to their original licensed locations within Sudan. The directive, numbered 83 of 2026, also instructs the closure of all temporary centers and branches outside the country or in areas of internal displacement by August 1, 2026. Failure to comply may result in these institutions being barred from accepting new students for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The decision comes as a surprise to many, especially considering the circumstances that have unfolded since the outbreak of war in April 2023. In response to the conflict, Sudanese universities turned to electronic education and established external examination centers in countries such as Egypt, Rwanda, and Saudi Arabia. This shift allowed thousands of students to continue their studies away from conflict zones. For instance, around 10,000 Sudanese students are currently studying at Al-Azhar University in Egypt.
Egypt has become a significant hub for Sudanese students, with nearly 44,000 students sitting for the Sudanese secondary school certificate examinations. The total number of Sudanese students in Egypt exceeds 350,000. These students and their families have not only found refuge from the war but also a relatively stable educational environment. However, the recent directive may jeopardize this opportunity, as it requires universities to operate solely from their original locations, despite many of these locations having been completely destroyed.
The economic implications of the directive are substantial. The Egyptian newspaper "Al-Masry Al-Youm" reported on September 27, 2026, that Cairo University generated approximately $8 million from tuition fees paid by international students, with the Faculty of Medicine at Qasr Al-Aini being a significant contributor. If Sudanese universities were to operate in these countries, they could potentially earn similar revenues, which would then contribute to the Sudanese treasury.
By forcing universities to operate within Sudan, the directive may inadvertently lead to the export of hard currency to other countries, increasing the demand for dollars in the Sudanese black market, and exacerbating the shortage of foreign exchange and rising exchange rates. This economic impact raises questions about the rationale behind the decision and whether it was made with a thorough understanding of its consequences.
The directive also raises concerns about the safety and security of students. Given the ongoing threats from militias and mercenaries, as well as the risk of drone strikes, it is uncertain whether many areas in Sudan can guarantee a safe learning environment. Requiring families to send their children back to potentially dangerous regions seems more like a political decision aimed at asserting control over higher education institutions rather than prioritizing student safety or educational advancement.
As the situation unfolds, there is a growing call for the Minister of Higher Education to reconsider the directive. The interests of the Sudanese people, the nation, and the economy should be paramount. The decision, rather than encouraging students to return to their homeland, may push them towards emigration or dropping out of education altogether, thereby wasting resources that could have contributed to the national treasury.
Key points
- The directive requires Sudanese universities to return to their original licensed locations within Sudan by August 1, 2026.
- The decision may lead to the loss of educational opportunities for thousands of Sudanese students currently studying abroad.
- The economic implications of the directive include potential losses in revenue for Sudanese universities and increased demand for hard currency in the black market.
