Togo and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) are deepening their collaborative efforts in the realm of higher education. Gado Tchangbedji, the Minister of Higher Education and Research, recently hosted a delegation from the financial institution in Lomé. Their discussions centered on the vital Project to Support the Implementation of Higher Education Reform in Sciences and Engineering, known as Paresi.
During the meeting, both parties assessed the current status of this pivotal program. Paresi is specifically designed to elevate the standard of university education and boost research capabilities across scientific and technical disciplines. The dialogue covered successes achieved, challenges faced, and outlined strategies to expedite the project’s remaining activities.
Minister Tchangbedji acknowledged the significant progress already visible, while also emphasizing the need for greater efficiency in administrative and technical processes. This focus aims to ensure that planned infrastructure developments are completed within their stipulated timelines.
Key elements of the project include the construction of advanced multi-purpose research laboratories at both the University of Lomé and the University of Kara. Additionally, a new pedagogical laboratory is slated for the École normale supérieure d’Atakpamé. These critical facilities are poised to significantly enhance the learning environment, research capabilities, and innovation potential within Togo’s public higher education institutions.
Jointly funded by the Togolese State and the Islamic Development Bank, Paresi aligns with the government’s strategic vision to modernize Togolese universities and equip them to meet the demands of national economic development. The project’s core objectives are to upgrade educational resources, enhance university infrastructure, and foster specialized skills in the crucial sectors of science and engineering.
Beyond substantial material investments, the program places a strong emphasis on cultivating academic excellence. As part of this commitment, a cohort of Master’s and Doctoral students from the Universities of Lomé and Kara received scholarships during the previous year.
This collaborative partnership underscores Togo’s commitment to bolstering its human capital, thereby amplifying higher education’s pivotal role in the structural transformation of the nation’s economy.
