Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor: Significant Progress in University Infrastructure
A Breath of Fresh Air for Students and Teachers
For the past ten years, inadequate infrastructure in Senegal’s public universities has been a recurring problem. However, the Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor (UASZ) is showing encouraging signs of improvement. Expansion works, part of the Higher Education Governance and Financing Program (PGF-Sup), are nearly complete, with several lecture halls already operational since April 2025.
Details on the New Infrastructure
Three major blocks are awaiting official handover:
- The administrative block of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences
- The administrative block of the Faculty of Science and Technology
- The DISI block (nearing completion)
These buildings include 92 offices, 2 lecture halls with 500 seats, 12 lecture halls with 150 seats, and 16 rooms dedicated to practical and directed work.
Key Testimony
Ahmadou Bamba Fall, Director of Asset Management, confirms:
“More than 90% of the work is complete. The equipped blocks are already functional. Only a few finishing touches remain.”
Progress Also at CROUS-Z
The Ziguinchor Regional Center for University and Social Services (CROUS-Z) is also making headway on several key projects:
- A 1,000-bed dormitory (in final stages)
- The Diabir production zone (80% complete)
- Tailoring and bakery workshops
The highly anticipated 1,000-bed dormitory is seeing rapid progress in interior setup, with beds, tables, and wardrobes soon to be installed.
A Difficult Historical Context
Opened in 2007 with just 250 students, UASZ now hosts nearly 10,000. Léa Suzanne Thiaw, Communications Officer, recalls:
“Professors used to meet students in their vehicles, which served as makeshift offices. We held classes everywhere—even under mango trees.”
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the progress, some projects like the 750-seat restaurant remain stalled, with no official explanation. CROUS-Z also continues to rent external accommodations due to limited on-campus capacity.