Togo and isdb review higher education transformation project

Togo and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) are strengthening their partnership in the realm of higher education. Gado Tchangbedji, the Minister of Higher Education and Research, hosted an IsDB delegation in Lomé on Tuesday, July 14, for a working session. The discussions centered on the Project to Support the Implementation of Higher Education Reform in Sciences and Engineering (PARESI).

The meeting provided an opportunity to assess the current progress of this strategic initiative. PARESI is designed to elevate the quality of university education and boost research capabilities within scientific and technical disciplines. Both parties thoroughly reviewed achievements to date, identified challenges encountered, and outlined necessary measures to expedite the planned activities.

During the session, the Minister commended the advancements already made, while also advocating for swifter processing of administrative and technical procedures. This emphasis aims to ensure the timely completion of all scheduled infrastructure developments.

Key components of the project include the construction of multi-purpose research laboratories at the Universities of Lomé and Kara. Additionally, a pedagogical laboratory is being established at the École Normale Supérieure d’Atakpamé. These vital facilities are expected to significantly enhance learning, research, and innovation environments across Togo’s public higher education institutions.

Jointly funded by the Togolese State and the Islamic Development Bank, PARESI reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing Togolese universities and aligning them with the demands of economic development. The project specifically seeks to upgrade educational equipment, improve university infrastructure, and cultivate expertise in science and engineering fields.

Beyond material investments, the program also prioritizes the promotion of academic excellence. As part of this commitment, scholarships were awarded last year to Master’s and Doctoral students enrolled at the Universities of Lomé and Kara.

Through this robust partnership, Togo aims to fortify its human capital and amplify the contribution of its higher education sector to the structural transformation of the national economy.