Engineering students strike in spite of negotiations

Unions representing students at public engineering institutions in Tunisia called an unlimited strike against “unjust, draconian selection processes” which they claimed discriminated against them, compared with students at private schools.

The students continued protest action this month in spite of negotiations with the ministry of higher education and research, which also involved teachers, professional engineering organisations and heads of the engineering schools and institutes, reported La Presse of Tunis.

During talks in January the students laid out grievances concerning the ‘injustice’ they experienced compared with peers in private higher education institutions, who were not subjected to the same ‘draconian’ selection as themselves during studies; and their claim that the technical specifications applied to private schools were lax and not rigorously respected.

The negotiations led to important decisions and a schedule for their implementation, which were included in an official report signed on 28 January by representatives of students and by the former higher education minister in the presence of the new Minister, Chiheb Bouden, reported La Presse.

But unfortunately the students continued their action, demanding guarantees concerning the commitments undertaken by the ministry. Bouden therefore published an explanatory note containing details of the agreement with the students, said La Presse. These included:

• • The same criteria for admission to engineering studies to be applied to both public and private institutions.
  
• • Introduction of a regressive quota of Tunisian engineering students in private schools compared with the total number of Tunisian engineering students – 30% next year; 25% the following year and 15% thereafter.
  
• • More rigorous control over private engineering institutions regarding adherence to technical specifications.
  
• • Revision of these specifications in accordance with international requirements.
  
• • Suspension of licences for new engineering schools until revision of the technical specifications was finalised.

La Presse noted that the different parties concerned, including students, would be represented on a national commission to revise and guarantee the quality and standards of Tunisia’s engineering studies.

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