Burkina Faso: A quantum leap towards the modernisation of higher education thanks to broadband connections in public universities

The Burkinabe government has reached a pivotal moment in advancing higher education by implementing high-speed internet access across nine public universities.

The inauguration ceremony, led by Prime Minister Dr. Apollinaire Joachimson Kyélèm de Tambèla at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, signifies a monumental shift in Burkina Faso’s educational framework.

In response to the identified needs of public universities in 2022, the Higher Education Support Project (PAES) was initiated.

This project introduced state-of-the-art infrastructure to ensure seamless high-speed connectivity in Higher Education and Research Institutions (IESR).

Consequently, nine out of ten institutions now benefit from robust internet access, facilitating rapid and efficient online engagement.

This collaborative endeavor between the Burkinabe government and the World Bank represents a substantial investment totaling 4,059,467,930 CFA francs.

The project has successfully connected 174 buildings and is projected to serve between 150,000 to 200,000 students, alongside 2,000 to 3,000 faculty members and 1,500 to 2,000 administrative personnel.

The significance of this initiative extends beyond mere connectivity. It fundamentally enhances the working environment for faculty, researchers, and administrative staff, while also streamlining access to a wealth of online resources for students.

By doing so, the government underscores its commitment to transforming higher education and research institutions into global hubs of excellence, fostering local innovation and development.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the government’s broader vision of nurturing talent and implementing modern governance practices within academic and research domains.

It represents a crucial step towards holistic integration into the global knowledge economy, ensuring that education remains relevant and effective in addressing the complexities of the 21st century.

Maurice K. ZONGO