Africa-Press – Angola. João Lourenço announced on Friday, in Luanda, the construction and rehabilitation of universities and polytechnic institutes in several provinces of the country, with the aim of expanding and improving the higher education system.
Speaking at the opening of the National Conference on Human Capital, the Head of State highlighted the recent inauguration of the Lueji A’Nkonde University, in Lunda Norte province, and assured that construction is underway to set up polytechnic institutes in Ndalatando, Cuanza Norte province, Cuito (Bié), Luena (Moxico), and Ondjiva (Cunene), with construction of similar infrastructure expected to begin soon in the city of Soyo (Zaire).
In the same vein, he announced the construction of new universities in the provinces of Cabinda, Benguela, Huambo, Malanje, and Cuando Cubango, in addition to the rehabilitation of the Higher Polytechnic Institute of Cuanza Sul, in the city of Sumbe, whose construction is expected to be completed this year.
He highlighted the construction in Luanda of the Agostinho Neto University Hospital (UAN) and new units linked to the Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences and Institute of Physical Education and Sports.
According to João Lourenço, this initiative comprises the National Human Capital Development Plan 2023-2037, which he considered a “pact with the new generations”, preparing the Angolan people for the challenges of a constantly changing world.
In the same regard, the Head of State reaffirmed that the training of highly qualified and motivated teachers is one of the government’s priorities, highlighting the National Program for Training and Management of Teaching Staff (2018), which aims to attract the best candidates and retain those who demonstrate the best performance.
The statesman also emphasized that, in 2024, more than 63,000 young people were enrolled in itinerant training programs under the Job Angola project, while, in the public administration sector, 56,000 employees benefited from continuing education between 2023 and 2024, as part of ongoing reforms.
“The progress made over the 50 years of our independence in access to education and teaching is undeniable, but we still face major challenges that hinder long-term vision, innovation, and determination”, said João Lourenço, calling for the valorization of the “sovereignty of knowledge, competence, and innovation.”
The National Conference on Human Capital, being held under the theme “Human Capital and the Development Challenges of Angola”, brings together policymakers, academics, international partners, civil society representatives and businesspeople residing in the country and abroad.
For More News And Analysis About Angola Follow Africa-Press
