a source of frustration in Senegal

The situation on university projects is slow to resolve in Senegal, causing widespread discontent among teachers and students. From Ziguinchor to Thiès, via Kaolack and Saint-Louis, delays in the delivery of educational infrastructure are exacerbating demands. These delays disrupt the university calendar and are often among the main complaints of higher education unions.

At the Sine Saloum El Hadj Ibrahima Niasse University (USSEIN), a 48-hour strike was launched by the local section of the Autonomous Union of Higher Education (Saes), since January 20, to denounce various difficulties, including the delay in delivery of infrastructure under construction or shut down. Since the start of teaching in 2019, USSEIN has operated in dilapidated temporary premises with insufficient capacity, while the number of students increases each year. In October 2024, the university lost the majority of its dilapidated classrooms in Fatick, according to the conclusions of the civil protection commission.

At Iba Der Thiam University in Thiès, a 72-hour cessation of educational activities was decreed by students to protest against the slowness in finalizing a 1,000-bed pavilion, a university restaurant and a medical service. Likewise, students at Assane Seck University in Ziguinchor launched an indefinite strike on November 22 due to similar demands. The protests escalated, leading to violence and the temporary closure of the university. In Saint-Louis, students at Gaston Berger University also expressed their frustration a few months ago.

These delays in infrastructure have harmful consequences on the management of public universities, particularly with regard to accommodation and the reception of numerous students during courses and practical work. This is a major challenge that the Ministry of Higher Education and its partners must take up, while tackling other issues that hinder the proper functioning of establishments.

This analysis of the situation of Senegalese universities is based on an article published by our colleagues at Sud Quotidien, highlighting the persistent difficulties in higher education in the country.