Benin: Students threaten protests over university tuition October 6

Event

On Friday, October 6, student unions threatened the government with protests and a general mobilization over the introduction of tuition fees for public universities. Anticipate potential demonstrations across the country, particularly in major urban centers.

Context

The Ministry of Education announced on Monday, October 2, that tuition fees for public universities would be introduced beginning at the start of the school year on October 16 – 25,000 CFA (45 USD) for a bachelor’s degree, 50,000 CFA (90 USD) for a master’s degree and 75,000 CFA (135 USD) for a PhD.

Advice

Individuals in the country, particularly in Cotonou, are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all demonstrations.

On a more general note, some Western governments advise against travel to the far north of the country - including areas along the Nigerien and Burkinabe borders - due to security issues.