Benin: transport, scholarships, catering and healthcare, the executive deploys a vast social plan for the 2026-2027 academic year

The array of measures announced at the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, September 2, covers several key sectors of university life, including transport, financial aid, catering, housing, and access to healthcare.

A modernization of transport services and a substantial increase in scholarships

University transport is set to be renewed and significantly strengthened across the country’s four public universities, namely the University of Abomey-Calavi, the University of Parakou, the National University of Agriculture of Kétou, and the National University of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics of Abomey.

To realize this ambition, 63 new buses will be put into service to cover new routes in several localities such as Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Dangbo, Adjarra, Abomey, Dassa-Zoumè, Lokossa, Natitingou, Sakété, Kétou, and Parakou, thus facilitating daily travel between residences and campuses.

On the financial aid front, the executive plans to increase university scholarships by up to 49 percent depending on the fields of study.

Back-to-school allowances and university emergency aid will also be increased, while the number of scholarships in technical and vocational training will be expanded and excellence scholarships for studies abroad will be enhanced.

Catering, living environment and infirmaries on campuses

University catering is also part of this dynamic with the rehabilitation of restaurants located notably on the campuses of Dangbo, Lokossa, and Parakou. Their management will be entrusted to professionals under strict state supervision to ensure affordable prices, while new restaurants will be established in Abomey-Calavi and Kétou.

At the same time, improvements to the living environment will be reflected in the gradual rehabilitation of student housing, the development of interior spaces, and the enhancement of lighting.

Finally, access to healthcare will be improved through the rehabilitation and modernization of university infirmaries to provide quality health support to the student community.