Higher Education in Sudan Faces Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict
Higher education in Sudan is grappling with unprecedented challenges as the country endures a brutal war that has persisted for over 17 months. Experts report that this conflict has severely impacted institutions, leading to a significant dropout of students and faculty, with many seeking refuge abroad. An alarming official report highlights that around 120 public and private universities, particularly in Khartoum State, have suffered extensive damage to their infrastructure, resulting in the loss of academic resources for nearly half a million enrolled students.
The report details widespread vandalism, including the destruction of laboratories, libraries, and teaching hospitals that served dual roles in education and medical services. This devastation has disrupted research and educational activities, hindering the global ranking of Sudanese universities and delaying student graduations, which poses a threat to their future employment opportunities.
Despite these challenges, some institutions have begun to recover. The Ministry of Higher Education announced that several universities have resumed studies in safer regions, and exams are being conducted for students both domestically and internationally. Notably, the University of Medical Sciences and Technology has expanded its reach by opening branches in Tanzania and Rwanda, while the University of Khartoum has successfully held multiple examination sessions across various centers, including Cairo and Abu Dhabi.
Migration and Its Impact on Sudanese Academia
The ongoing conflict has led to a mass exodus of students and professors from Sudan. Experts estimate that since the upheaval began in 2018, over 53,000 students have migrated to universities in Egypt, alongside thousands more relocating to institutions in Turkey and India. This migration is largely attributed to the deteriorating economic conditions and the inability of the government to provide adequate salaries for educators, prompting many professors to seek employment opportunities abroad.
The consequences of this migration are profound. Students face significant hardships in completing their academic records, often leaving essential documents behind as they flee conflict zones. Families are also struggling financially; many have lost their livelihoods and cannot afford tuition fees in foreign countries, leading to a freeze in their education. The situation is compounded by the emotional toll of displacement, as families grapple with the loss of homes and stability.
As the Sudanese higher education system continues to navigate these turbulent times, the resilience of its institutions and students will be crucial in overcoming the ongoing crisis.
