Fatshimetrie, August 19, 2024 – A recent incident at the National Institute of Buildings and Public Works (INBTP) in Kinshasa has attracted attention and raised concerns about the stability of higher education in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During a student demonstration against the teachers’ strike, a vehicle was set on fire at the main entrance of the institution, marking a worrying escalation in the tensions that persist within the establishment.
According to Jordan Emma, president of the INBTP students, this demonstration was motivated by fear of a possible blank year due to the prolonged teachers’ strike. The students expressed their frustration at the uncertainty over the end of the academic year, while the teaching staff had been on strike for several weeks.
This atmosphere of protest was seized by the police authorities, who quickly intervened to contain the situation. Principal Superintendent Bienvenu Waswa pointed out that although campuses are traditionally sites of protest, the incident at INBTP was quickly brought under control, limiting material damage.
Furthermore, the INBTP staff strike, motivated by the non-payment of management bonuses, highlights the financial and administrative problems facing higher education establishments in the DRC. Sylvain Longo, president of the union delegation, stressed that a general assembly had decided to close the doors to the management committee due to these financial dysfunctions.
This situation is not isolated, as other institutions, such as the University of Information and Communication Sciences (Unisic) in Kinshasa, have also been affected by strike action for similar reasons.
These events demonstrate the persistent challenges facing the Congolese education system and highlight the need for in-depth reform to ensure the quality of higher education in the country. In these uncertain times, it is crucial for authorities to commit to ensuring optimal conditions for students and teaching staff, in order to prevent future crises and foster a stable and supportive learning environment for all.
In conclusion, the incident at INBTP highlights the tensions and challenges facing the higher education sector in the DRC, underscoring the importance of taking concerted action to ensure a sustainable and prosperous educational future for all. the actors involved.