Private universities suspend work after state delays

Some private universities have suspended their operations, complaining of government delays in payment of student grants and in signing contracts for teaching bachelor-equivalent courses.

The ministry for higher education and scientific research reacted with "surprise and regret" at the suspension, which was voted for by the founders of the Institutions Privées d’Enseignement Supérieur, or IPES, reported Aminata of Conakry.

The universities called for the suspension, which took place with immediate effect, on the grounds that there were government delays in payment of study grants for the second semester of 2017; and in signing educational contracts for students taking first degrees.

Aminata reported that the rules stipulated the annual grant was paid in two parts covering the first semester from October to February, which had been paid; and the second semester from February to June, which had not yet been paid.

Aminata said the signing of the educational contracts had been suspended until the completion of a biometric census of students that was being carried out.

The ministry said that under the contract with the universities any disagreement should be resolved under the relevant rules. It regretted the procedure had not been respected, even though it had given assurances that the second-semester grants would be paid by the June deadline, according to the contract between the government and the private universities, reported Aminata.

The ministry called on the universities to reconsider their action in the interest of the students, and said it remained open for dialogue and consultation.

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