Dr. Élisabeth Shérif, Minister of National Education, visited the construction site of the new scientific college of Niamey on the afternoon of Monday, August 18, 2026. This significant visit shows the government's commitment to advancing educational infrastructure in the region. The ministerial visit aimed to assess the level of work execution and identify any challenges, aligning with the vision of President of the Republic, Army General Abdourahamane Tiani, to strengthen the education system and promote scientific excellence across Niger. The construction of this vital infrastructure reflects the unwavering will of the Refoundation authorities to equip Niger with modern educational establishments that meet international standards. During her visit, Dr. Shérif "insisted on the respect of quality standards as well as the deadlines," emphasizing the importance of delivering a high-quality facility on schedule.
Tour of Facilities and Delegation's Presence
Dr. Élisabeth Shérif's inspection of the new scientific college was conducted with the accompaniment of Général de Division Assoumane Abdou Harouna, the governor of the Niamey region, and the Delegate Administrators representing the five communes of Niamey. This broad representation noted the collaborative effort and importance placed on the project by various levels of government. During their visit, the delegation toured several key buildings currently under construction, gaining first-hand insight into the progress and scope of the work. These included classrooms, which are designed to accommodate a new generation of scientific learners, the library, intended to be a central hub for research and study, dormitories, providing essential accommodation for students, and the laboratory facilities, which are key for practical scientific education. Général de Division Assoumane Abdou Harouna addressed the contractors directly, stating he "exhorted the contractors to redouble their efforts in order to accelerate the pace of work and guarantee the delivery of the work within the agreed contractual deadlines." This direct appeal showed the urgency and importance of the project for the region.
Addressing Challenges and Ensuring Progress
Following the full inspection, a critical meeting was convened at the governorate between government representatives and the contractors responsible for the construction work. This meeting was a direct follow-up to the site visit, designed to translate observations into actionable plans. The primary objective of the meeting was to thoroughly examine the challenges identified during Dr. Élisabeth Shérif's visit to the site, ensuring that no obstacle would impede the project's successful completion. Discussions focused intently on determining specific measures to ensure the project achieves its expected results within the stipulated timeframe, noting a proactive approach to project management. The meeting served as a platform for open communication, allowing for the immediate addressing of any issues that could potentially delay the construction or compromise the quality of the new scientific college.
Minister's Directives and Governor's Appeal for Timely Delivery
Dr. Élisabeth Shérif, Minister of National Education, subsequently reiterated her directives to the contractors, reinforcing the key messages from her site inspection and the subsequent meeting. She emphasized the critical importance of adhering to the quality standards established for the scientific college project, stressing that the facility must be built to last and serve its educational purpose effectively. The Minister also stressed the necessity of completing the work within the agreed-upon deadlines, aligning with the broader vision for educational reform in Niger and the urgent need for modern scientific learning environments. Général de Division Assoumane Abdou Harouna, the governor of the Niamey region, reinforced these expectations, urging all parties involved to intensify their efforts. He noted the collective responsibility to ensure that the new scientific college is delivered on schedule, thereby supporting the objectives of President of the Republic, Army General Abdourahamane Tiani, to enhance the nation's educational infrastructure and foster scientific excellence among Nigerien youth.