Nyala, Sudan – The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Eid Ibrahim Brima, has announced the official resumption of the ministry’s operations and the phased reopening of Sudanese universities. This marks the beginning of a broader plan to gradually restore the educational process, address the devastating effects of the ongoing war which has disrupted studies, damaged institutions, and displaced countless students and academics—and safeguard the academic future of the nation.
In a speech marking the occasion, the minister emphasized that education is a fundamental human right and that the Government of Peace views investment in education and human intellect as a strategic investment in Sudan’s future.
He outlined a gradual and safe approach to reopening universities, ensuring the current academic year is not lost while also expanding e-learning and blended learning models, and rehabilitating war-affected laboratories, libraries, and university infrastructure.
Prof. Brima stressed that the coming phase will prioritize scientific research that addresses Sudan’s pressing needs, encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, expand partnerships with Arab, African, and international academic institutions, and strengthen technical, applied, and vocational education.
Acknowledging the harsh realities imposed by the war destruction of institutions, interrupted studies, displacement of staff and students, and severe hardship for Sudanese families—the minister insisted that these challenges must not derail the educational process or jeopardize the future of younger generations.
He described the reopening of universities not merely as the resumption of classes, but as “the opening of a new future,” with universities remaining beacons of knowledge and scientific research serving as a cornerstone of national progress and post-war reconstruction.
The minister further articulated that science fosters culture, culture enables development, and development underpins coexistence, peace, and security. He reiterated that investing in knowledge and human capital is one of the key solutions to addressing the root causes of crises and building a more stable, resilient society.
Calling on students to persevere in their pursuit of education despite wartime hardships, he urged them to let knowledge shape their future and to connect academic excellence with ethics and national responsibility. He also praised faculty members and university staff who continue to fulfill their academic duties under extremely difficult humanitarian and economic conditions.
Prof. Brima appealed to Sudanese researchers both at home and abroad to unite their efforts in service of Sudan offering scientific solutions to challenges in food security, health, energy, water, the economy, and reconstruction, while also contributing to social cohesion and peacebuilding.
Ten-point charter for the reconstruction of Higher Education
During his address, the minister unveiled the Charter for the Reconstruction of Higher Education in Sudan, outlining ten core commitments:
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Guaranteeing the right to higher education
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Reopening universities and ensuring educational continuity
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Protecting and supporting students
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Supporting faculty members and administrative staff
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Rebuilding universities and restoring infrastructure
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Advancing scientific research and innovation
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Enhancing academic quality and accreditation
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Expanding national and international partnerships
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Reinforcing the values of peace and national unity
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Promoting transparency, accountability, and community service.
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The minister described the charter as a comprehensive framework for rebuilding the higher education sector on the foundations of continuity, quality, research, partnership, and civic engagement.
The announcement comes at a critical time when Sudan’s education sector faces unprecedented challenges. The restoration of academic institutions and the uninterrupted delivery of education are now directly tied to the future of the country’s youth and the broader task of state rebuilding.
Concluding his speech, Prof. Brima affirmed that the next phase must make education a vehicle for peace, scientific research a driver of development, and universities effective engines of nation-building. His overarching message was clear: education is not merely a public service it is a fundamental pillar for rebuilding Sudan, consolidating peace, and shaping the destiny of generations to come.
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