The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Adama Diawara, announced a new phase of rehabilitation for student infrastructure. The stated objective is to fundamentally transform the living conditions of Ivorian students.

This announcement was made at Nangui Abrogoua University in Abobo, during the official inauguration of the new administrative building of the Regional Center for University Works (CROU) Abidjan II.

A second wind for existing infrastructure

After more than ten years of intensive use, the university buildings require refurbishment. This new rehabilitation program will target not only the older residences already renovated in the past, but also the more recent infrastructure of the following institutions:

1. The University of Man
2. INPHB (National Polytechnic Institute Félix Houphouët-Boigny)
3. The INS (National Higher Institute)

The minister recalled that an initial phase of renovations had begun in 2011-2012 in Abobo-Adjamé, Bouaké, Korhogo, and Daloa. More recently, the Abobo 1 and 2 student residences, as well as the Williamsville residence, have allowed for the reopening of nearly 2,540 beds . In response to the wear and tear of time, a comprehensive plan to upgrade student residences and restaurants is now underway.

Heading towards 2030: Building to resolve the housing crisis

To cope with the explosion in the student population, the Ivorian government is combining renovation and new construction. The challenge is significant: the country currently has 24,574 beds for more than 363,000 students , representing a coverage rate of only 6.5%.

The government's ambition: To achieve a coverage rate of 15% by 2030 , divided between 10% public residences and 5% subsidized private residences.

Overview of new accommodation capacities:

1. Daloa: A new city with 1,200 beds has sprung up.
2. Korhogo: A first residence with 1,400 beds is operational, and a second with 2,400 beds is completed and awaiting its official handover.
3. Abobo: The project for a large 2,000-bed hospital complex remains a state priority, despite financial adjustments. "We are currently optimizing the financial arrangements. But the project has not been abandoned," Professor Adama Diawara emphasized.

Catering: More quantity, but above all, more quality

Modernization also extends to the food itself. In 2023, more than 16.72 million meals were served across the country, thanks in particular to the opening of new canteens in Daloa, Korhogo, Cocody and Abobo.

To improve service quality, the government has decided to increase its subsidy to service providers, but not without conditions. The minister was uncompromising on the specifications: "There's no question of increasing the state subsidy while the quality of the food remains the same," he warned, announcing stricter controls.

The CROU Abidjan II is undergoing a transformation

The day was also marked by the delivery of the new administrative headquarters of the CROU Abidjan II. The minister praised the crucial role of this structure in university social policy (accommodation, catering, social and cultural).

Professor Adama Diawara warmly congratulated the Director General of CROU Abidjan II, Professor Ouattara Insiata, for her management of this project. To make the premises fully operational, several finishing touches were successfully completed:

1. Connection to drinking water and electricity networks.
2. Installation of security and video surveillance systems.

For the authorities, this new step symbolizes the government's determination to offer Ivorian students a modern and dignified environment for study and life.