The Togo government and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have conducted a strategic review of their joint initiative to enhance higher education. On July 14 in Lomé, the Minister of Higher Education and Research, Gado Tchangbedji, met with an IsDB delegation to assess progress on the Paresi Project, a flagship program aimed at reforming science and engineering education.
Key achievements and ongoing challenges
The discussions centered on the project’s milestones, including the development of research laboratories at the universities of Lomé and Kara, alongside a dedicated teaching lab at the École normale supérieure in Atakpamé. While acknowledging advancements, the Minister emphasized the need for faster administrative and technical processes to meet infrastructure deadlines.
Infrastructure upgrades to modernize universities
The Paresi Project is a cornerstone of Togo’s strategy to modernize its higher education sector. By upgrading labs and classrooms, the initiative seeks to foster innovation, improve learning conditions, and align university programs with economic development needs. The project is co-financed by the Togolese government and the IsDB, reflecting a shared commitment to transforming the country’s academic landscape.
Focus on academic excellence and human capital
Beyond physical infrastructure, the program prioritizes academic excellence by awarding scholarships to Master’s and PhD students at Lomé and Kara universities. These efforts aim to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of driving structural economic change in Togo.