Boulkiemde: The Regional Directorate of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of Nando organized an inter-institutional consultation meeting aimed at strengthening coordination between the structures of the ministry.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting, held in Koudougou, was part of an initiative to foster constructive dialogue and improve the synergy of action among the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESRI) structures in the region. Ten structures, including Norbert Zongo University (UNZ), the Higher Normal School (ENS), and the Regional Center for University Works of Koudougou (CROUK), participated in this significant session.
The Regional Director of Higher Education, Research and Innovation for Nando (DRESRI-NDO), Dr. Jonas Koala, emphasized the essential role of higher education, research, and innovation as drivers of national development. He underscored the necessity for the region to fully capitalize on this momentum. The primary objective was to enhance coordination and synergy to improve institutional efficiency, particularly through the harmonization of practices, resource pooling, and the establishment of shared strategic directions.
Discussions at the meeting led to the mapping of missions and perspectives, focusing on scientific research, academic and professional training, and enhancing the ministry's regional visibility. However, a shared diagnosis revealed several cross-cutting difficulties, including insufficient infrastructure and staff shortages. Specific challenges such as the growing number of students, normalization of academic years, delays in contract execution, and poor access roads to universities were also highlighted.
Concrete recommendations emerged from the discussions. The DRESRI-NDO was encouraged to establish a communication channel, such as a WhatsApp group, hold the consultation meeting annually on a rotating basis, and facilitate collective participation in regional fairs. Other structures were urged to appoint a representative each year for the consultation framework with regional development actors and prepare project sheets for advocacy purposes.
The meeting concluded with the development of a roadmap, with participants convinced that strengthened synergy will positively impact MESRI's actions in the region.