Niger's Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, Pr. Mamadou Saidou, delivered a full communication on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. This significant address was presented before the plenary of the consultative council of refoundation (CCR), a key deliberative body in the country's governance. The initiatives outlined in the minister's address aim to restore the credibility of Nigerien higher education, encompassing both public and private institutions. Additionally, the actions seek to encourage scientific research and technological innovation within the country's educational framework, marking a key moment for the nation's academic future.
Revamping Academic Structures
Reforms at the central level include the revision of the National Higher Education Policy document (PNES) of 2023, a foundational text guiding the sector's development. The restructuring of public universities led to the establishment of four new engineering schools: ESSN, POLYTECH de Maradi, ENPG, and ENISE, significantly expanding technical education capacity. To support these new institutions, a preparatory cycle for these engineering schools is scheduled to open at EMIG starting in the next academic year, providing essential foundational training for aspiring engineers.
Harmonization efforts have been undertaken for six mentions within the field of education sciences and Arabic language training, ensuring consistency and quality across programs. This key harmonization process will continue for other remaining training domains to standardize academic offerings nationwide. Separately, the submission of applications for authorization to open new programs in economics, management, and health sciences in private institutions has been suspended, pending further review and alignment with national priorities. Additionally, more than 20,000 national civic service conscripts have been deployed in various public structures, including Education, Health, and Rural Development, contributing significantly to national development efforts across multiple sectors.
Enhancing Research and Quality Assurance
National research needs have been identified and grouped into four distinct poles: resilient food sovereignty and systems, environment and energy, society and culture, and health, focusing strategic research efforts. The first national forum for scientific research and technological innovation has been successfully organized, bringing together key stakeholders. This forum will be institutionalized as part of ongoing reforms, establishing it as a regular platform for scientific exchange and collaboration. The reorganization of research governance includes a draft decree concerning the creation of the National Council for Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, which aims to provide strategic direction and oversight for research initiatives.
Quality assurance processes have been institutionalized within higher education institutions to harmonize training fields and facilitate diploma recognition, ensuring the value and transferability of qualifications. The evaluation of higher education institutions and training programs has also been institutionalized, promoting continuous improvement and accountability. The establishment of members for the Scientific Council of the National Agency for Quality Assurance of Higher Education (ANAB SUP) has been reformed, strengthening its operational capacity. In terms of funding, 17 research projects received financing in 2024, with an additional nine projects financed in 2025, demonstrating a sustained commitment to fostering innovation.
Improving Student Support Systems
A full guide for student orientation and enrollment in universities and grandes écoles has been developed, providing clear pathways for prospective students. The conference of rectors of Niger's public universities has been institutionalized, serving as a vital framework for exchange and consultation among university leaders. The Office of the Baccalaureate, Exams, and Competitions (OBEECS) has also been established to streamline and oversee national examinations. Improvements have been made to the functioning of the Regional Correction Centers (CRC) for the Baccalaureate in Niger. This aims to rationalize, secure, and standardize the evaluation process for baccalaureate candidates nationwide, ensuring fairness and integrity.
The ANAB is undergoing digitization through the acquisition of database management software, enhancing efficiency and data management capabilities. The payment system for scholarships and social aid is being banked via the e-Trésor Niger application, ensuring transparency and timely disbursement of funds to students. Separately, texts outlining the criteria for awarding the scholarship of excellence are under revision, aiming to refine the selection process for top-performing students. Texts detailing the criteria for awarding social aid are also being revised, ensuring equitable support for students in need.