Togo and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) are strengthening their collaborative efforts in the realm of higher education. Gado Tchangbedji, the Minister of Higher Education and Research, welcomed an IsDB delegation to Lomé on Tuesday, July 14, for a working session focused on the Project to Support the Implementation of Higher Education Reform in Sciences and Engineering (Paresi).

The discussions served to evaluate the current status of this strategic initiative, designed to elevate the standard of university education and bolster research capabilities within scientific and technical disciplines. Both parties thoroughly reviewed accomplishments, identified challenges encountered, and deliberated on measures to accelerate the execution of planned activities.

During the meeting, the Minister commended the progress achieved so far, while simultaneously advocating for greater efficiency in processing administrative and technical procedures. This push aims to ensure the timely completion of all scheduled infrastructure projects.

Key components of the Paresi project include the construction of multi-purpose research laboratories at the Universities of Lomé and Kara, along with the establishment of a dedicated pedagogical laboratory at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Atakpamé. These vital facilities are poised to significantly enhance learning, research, and innovation environments within Togo’s public higher education institutions.

Jointly funded by the Togolese state and the Islamic Development Bank, Paresi reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing Togolese universities and aligning them with the demands of economic development. The project specifically aims to upgrade educational equipment, enhance university infrastructure, and cultivate expertise in science and engineering fields.

Beyond tangible investments, the program also places considerable emphasis on fostering academic excellence. To this end, scholarships were awarded last year to deserving Master’s and Doctoral students enrolled at the Universities of Lomé and Kara.

Through this crucial partnership, Togo seeks to solidify its human capital and amplify higher education’s role in the structural transformation of the national economy.