Ouagadougou: The National Center for University Works (CENOU) announced a reduction in the monthly number of meals provided to university students, adjusting the quota from 70 to 65 meals per student starting March 1, 2026. This change aims at ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources.

According to Burkina Information Agency, CENOU's Director General, No«l Thiombiano, explained that the adjustment was necessary to accommodate up to 3800 new beneficiaries without compromising the service's continuity. The revised plan allows for two meals a day, totaling approximately 60 meals per month, with an additional five meals available for emergencies.

Thiombiano emphasized that this decision is part of a solidarity-based rebalancing effort, prompted by a growing student population and challenges posed by the ongoing security crisis. He highlighted the influx of new high school graduates and the difficult circumstances faced by students from internally displaced families, who rely heavily on university meal services.

The university catering budget has seen a significant increase, climbing from 6.96 billion FCFA in 2022 to 9.6 billion FCFA in 2026. CENOU also continues to modernize its operations, implementing digital management systems and enhancing oversight in its dining facilities.