Kinshasa, July 9th, 2025 (CPA).- A third batch of university infrastructures renovated by the Congolese State has been handed over by the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the National Pedagogical University (UPN) during a ceremony at the university campus in Kinshasa. ‘Your constant commitment to the renovation and modernisation of universities explains your presence here today for the handover of two new prestigious buildings to our alma mater: in on hand, the rector’s office building and in the other hand, the sports complex, built according to international standards,’ has declared Yvonne Ibebeke, rector of the university. She has reminded us that this marks the completion of the third phase of a process that began since 2021. « As a reminder, you have visited our university in April 2021, and on that occasion, you have made a bitter observation about the deteriorated state of our infrastructure. Following this observation, you made the decision to initiate a major renovation and modernisation project for our alma mater. » « Two years later, in May 2023, you were at our side to celebrate the handover of the first renovated buildings, particularly those intended for students. In December of the same year, you once again have honoured us with your presence to inaugurate large modern buildings equipped with several auditoriums, » she has reminded us, pointing out that the second building is equipped with a digital library, which is expected to be officially inaugurated shortly.
Launching of inter-university sports activities
In handing over the new sports complex, the Head of State also launched inter-university sports activities in all academic circles, according to Rector Ibebeke. She also reiterated her institution’s gratitude to the President of the Republic for implementing the university renovation programme. ‘You have made the renovation and modernisation of universities one of the central pillars of your political vision. And UPN is now one of the major beneficiaries of this noble ambition,’ has said the Rector, on behalf of the entire university community. « On behalf of all UPN students, we express our gratitude for these buildings that you are giving us. This is proof of your commitment to making Congolese universities a real lever for development, » has for his part said the representative of the university’s students. The renovated rectorate building includes offices, a meeting room and an amphitheatre, among other facilities. CPA/