Sudan's Ministry of Higher Education has ordered all universities to return to their original licensed campuses by August 1. Most institutions had relocated away from their campuses when the war between the Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted in 2023.
The ministry estimates losses across the higher-education sector at around 3 billion dollars. The financial measures needed to compensate for these losses are described as significant, and involve foreign currency at a time when the country is suffering from numerous economic problems due to heavy expenditure on the war.
Most students and lecturers also relocated during the conflict. Despite the challenges, signs of recovery are now beginning to emerge across the sector.
At the University of Khartoum, students and faculty members have launched a campaign to rebuild the Faculty of Arts after the campus was reclaimed from the Rapid Support Forces. They intend to revive one of Sudan's most respected academic institutions.
According to those involved, they are currently working on metalwork and carpentry for the doors and windows, and have cleaned the faculty halls and courtyard. Other institutions are also following suit.
Some welcomed the decision, saying the issue of returning is important for them and for all universities, particularly as one college had been relocated from El Fasher due to the war. The order is seen as a step toward restoring the country's higher-education system after years of disruption.