Dakar students protest against masters selection

Students in the science and technical faculty at the University Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) in Dakar went on strike in protest against new criteria for selection to masters courses. They were demanding the right of all bachelor degree graduates to have access.

Le Soleil of Dakar reported that students invaded the university premises carrying placards proclaiming “We demand a masters for all!”, “We want to continue our studies!”, “No to injustice!” “Scientists sacrificed!” and “Stop creeping privatisation!”

Oumar Baldé, a student of life and Earth sciences, told the paper that they were the first year of students to graduate with degrees under the ‘LMD’ (licence-master-doctorate), the higher education structure based on the Bologna process.

He said continuing studies at masters level was necessary because “the licence is not professional.

“If they have adopted the LMD system without provision for support, without supervisors, without building [class]rooms, it’s not our fault – because the texts specify that students who have done general studies must be able to continue,” he said.

Other students agreed, saying they were confused; the faculty authorities had maintained they could not accept several students because of lack of human and material resources. This was “not normal” and they were prepared to continue their protests until their grievances were satisfied, they said.

* This article is drawn from local media. University World News cannot vouch for the accuracy of the original report.